Will they turn their swords against the people?
In the east of Qinghe City, a large house was temporarily requisitioned and used as a camp for wounded soldiers.
The strong smell of medicine mixed with the smell of blood filled the cold air. The moans were low and shallow, but they could not cover up the excitement of a group of people in the corner.
Niu Zhuang was half leaning on a thick straw mattress, his left arm wrapped in thick linen, which was faintly dark red. His face was still a little pale, but his eyes were surprisingly bright. He was almost spitting at the comrades who were surrounding him.
"You didn't see it! That Qiang dog's face turned green with fear when he saw me charging towards him with a spear raised! If I hadn't tripped..."
He gestured, his wounds tugging at his sides, causing him to grimace in pain, yet he couldn't suppress his excitement. "It's worth it, damn it! What did those common people call us? Imperial Master! Heavenly Soldiers! Hey! I'm a strong man, a peasant digging for food in the fields, and there will be a day when I'll be called a Heavenly Soldiers. I never dared to dream of it!"
A man with a wounded leg nearby chuckled and slapped his thigh. "Who said it wasn't? I used to only hear people talk about how terrifying war was, with mountains of corpses and seas of blood. But last night, charging in, following His Highness, following the banner, it was such a relief! So this is what war is all about?"
"That's right! Those Qiang dogs look fierce, but when a fight breaks out, they run faster than rabbits!" Another younger soldier echoed, his face still flushed from his first battle experience.
The atmosphere became lively, as if last night's battle was just a thrilling dream, leaving only the glory of victory and forgotten pain. The shadow of death was temporarily left behind, leaving only the gratitude for surviving the disaster and the surprise at one's own strength.
"What are you all yelling about! It takes a hundred days to heal a broken bone. Don't you know how to take care of yourself?" A gruff shout interrupted their conversation.
Wang Dayong walked in with a stern face, holding a steaming medicine jar, and glanced at the group of wounded soldiers who were beaming with joy.
"Look at you all, your tails are about to fly to the sky! Do you really think you are indestructible?"
"Team leader!" Niu Zhuang grinned.
"I'm so happy! We won, how awesome!"
"Impressive?" Wang Dayong placed the medicine jar heavily on the low table next to him, making a clang sound.
"Power is earned at the cost of one's life! Just because you lay down and didn't get up last night, you're not powerful anymore? Behave yourself and drink your medicine!" His tone was stern, but there was a trace of imperceptible worry hidden in the depths of his eyes.
These guys are already cocky before they've even tasted the bitterness of war.
"Yes, yes, the captain is right." Several people responded with a grin, obviously not taking it too seriously.
We've already won, how hard can it get? They muttered to themselves.
Just then, the light at the door dimmed.
The noisy corner suddenly became quiet, you could hear a pin drop, and all eyes were cast towards the door.
Ning Lingyi stood there, having taken off her heavy armor and wearing only plain clothes. Her face was obviously tired, with a faint blue shadow under her eyes. She seemed to still carry the chill from outside, as well as a faint hint of blood.
"Your Highness!"
Everyone hurriedly tried to struggle to stand up and salute, but the movement pulled on their wounds, and there was another gasp.
"No need to be so polite, just lie down." Ning Lingyi said.
She walked in slowly, her eyes calmly sweeping over the faces that were some pale, some excited, and some scarred. There was light in their eyes, and they trusted her.
At this moment, in the eyes of these soldiers, she was no longer just the unattainable princess, but also the commander who led the troops and shed the blood of the enemy. She was the true backbone of this army called "Pearl".
"How's the injury?" She stopped in front of Niu Zhuang, her eyes fixed on his bleeding arm, her brows slightly furrowed. "Has the doctor examined it?"
"Your Highness, I've checked it out. It's just a minor injury, nothing serious!"
Niu Zhuang straightened his back, his voice trembling with excitement.
Ning Lingyi nodded and turned her gaze to the others: "I have ordered people to do their best to collect medicinal herbs. The Su family's fleet has also sent a batch. You must rest and recuperate. Only when you are well can you serve the country again."
She carefully checked Niu Zhuang's wound and felt relieved when she found it was not fatal. Everyone followed her movements and watched her carefulness and prudentness, feeling excited in their hearts.
Ning Lingyi carefully examined the other wounded before standing up and addressing them all, "You are all the pillars of the Pearl Guards. You are the arms that I, Ning Lingyi, rely on. Seeing you injured, I am deeply troubled."
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Everyone responded in unison, a warm feeling welling up in their hearts, mixed with the excitement of being valued and deeper loyalty. Your Highness came to visit them, ordinary soldiers, in person and was so concerned about them. This friendship was heavy.
Make them feel that they are so important.
Ning Lingyi's gaze slowly swept over the crowd. She was silent for a few breaths. The only sound in the barracks was the slightly heavy breathing of the wounded.
"We won the battle last night and recaptured Qinghe."
"I have witnessed your bravery. But..." She paused, her gaze seeming to penetrate the barracks wall and see further away.
"Do you know how many of our three thousand soldiers of the Pearl Guard were killed in the battle last night?"
The warmth of excitement suddenly cooled, and the smile on Niu Zhuang's face froze. The others subconsciously held their breath. They knew that some of them had fallen, and some had never returned. But how many? No one dared to count.
The joy of victory was like a veil, which was gently lifted by Ning Lingyi at this moment.
There was dead silence in the barracks.
Ning Lingyi's gaze fell into the air, then seemed to focus on a point that only she could see. Her voice deepened, "We've collected 579 casualties, 85 seriously injured and unable to recover, and several hundred lightly injured."
Every number is like a cold hammer, hitting everyone's heart.
Five hundred and seventy-nine people, eighty-five people...
Those lively faces who were laughing, marching and fighting together yesterday have now turned into corpses, lying quietly somewhere.
Several familiar faces suddenly flashed before Niu Zhuang's eyes. They were shouting at his side during the charge last night. But now, his throat tightened, and the excitement just now disappeared, leaving only a belated dull pain.
"Your Highness..." someone called out softly, choking with sobs.
Ning Lingyi's eyelashes trembled slightly, and a tear slid down and hit the shoulder of the wounded man closest to her, which was covered with clean linen, leaving a small dark mark.
She had just come from the place where the corpses were collected. There were more than 500 bodies lined up silently and covered with simple white cloth.
Yesterday, they were still living people.
"This victory was extremely difficult." She raised her eyes, the tears in her eyes had not faded, but she was determined.
"Although we drove the Western Qiang out, we only killed over 400 of them last night. Our casualties far outweighed those of the enemy. Even if we devise a surprise attack and seize the initiative, on the battlefield, swords are merciless and life and death depend on a split second."
She looked at the young faces before her, who had just been immersed in the joy of victory, and her voice grew graver. "Therefore, I hope you will join me in putting aside your arrogance and respecting the battlefield. Every battle must be fought with extreme caution and prudence. Only in this way can we live up to the blood of our comrades and the trust of the millions of people behind us."
The frivolity that had grown in everyone's hearts due to their initial victory was completely awakened by Ning Lingyi's words, and a solemn sadness replaced the previous excitement.
They finally understood that last night was not an easy victory, but a tragic result achieved by stepping on the corpses of their comrades. A solemnity belonging to a true soldier was evident in the eyes and brows of these young soldiers.
They finally began to become real soldiers.
Ning Lingyi's gaze swept over the crowd again, and the things contained in it made everyone subconsciously straighten their backs.
"In the past, the Western Qiang trampled on Qinghe for two months, burning, killing, and looting, treating the people like grass, causing great suffering and leaving nine out of ten houses empty."
"Let me ask you, gentlemen, today we are in the army, in charge of the weapons, what should we do?"
She paused briefly and asked them, "Will we swing the blades in our hands towards those defenseless and suffering villagers?"
"Won't!"
"Absolutely not!"
"Your Highness, we won't!"
After a brief silence, there were responses that came one after another. Niu Zhuang clenched his fists even more tightly, not even noticing the pain on his wound. How could he?
He hated corrupt officials and ruffian soldiers the most in his life. Exploitation as heavy as a mountain once weighed on his shoulders, but he would never do that.
Ning Lingyi looked at them, and finally a hint of relief appeared in her eyes.
She took a step back and saluted solemnly to the wounded soldiers in the barracks.
"I am deeply grateful for your kindness. I swear to do my utmost to ensure that the army has sufficient food and fodder, and that you will not suffer from hunger and cold. I hope you will also treat the people of Qinghe as your parents and neighbors, and protect them and ensure their livelihood."
"If anyone violates this oath, bullies the weak, or harasses the people."
"Behead immediately!"
"We will follow your highness's orders!" Everyone responded in unison, their voices shaking the roof tiles. After being baptized by blood and tears, the military spirit of the Mingzhu Guards truly forged the iron law of protecting the people for the first time in the Qinghe Wounded Soldiers Camp.
Ning Lingyi nodded slightly, said no more, turned around and left the barracks filled with the smell of medicine.
Outside the door, the cold wind is still biting.
Su Qingfan, wearing a thick cloak, was already waiting in the corridor, with a lingering worry between his brows.
"Your Highness, after a preliminary inventory of the city, the thunder bombs consumed last night are almost gone." She came forward.
"If the war drags on and supply lines become stretched, there will be a huge shortage of gunpowder alone, not to mention food, arrows, and medicine. We will become increasingly exhausted and in greater danger."
Ning Lingyi gazed at the gray sky. On the distant city wall, the "Pearl" flag fluttered in the cold wind. Is it difficult? Of course it's difficult. Should I retreat? Of course not.
She was silent for a moment before she said, "I understand. However, if we allow looting to replenish our military supplies, what difference would we make from the Western Qiang? Even if it presents numerous difficulties, this path is unacceptable."
She rubbed her brows, her tiredness revealing determination, "Let me think of a solution."
Su Qingfan sighed softly, then added, "There's one more thing. Representatives of several wealthy families and gentry still in the city have sent a message requesting an audience with Your Highness."
"Oh?" Ning Lingyi's eyes flashed with surprise, "They are still here?"
The Western Qiang have been entrenched for two months, how could these fat sheep be safe and sound?
Su Qingfan's lips curled up in a slightly sarcastic arc. "Your Highness, snakes have their ways, and rats have their ways. These local tyrants have been entrenched in Qinghe for many years. They have their own ways to avoid disaster. They either offer money to seek peace or hide in seclusion. They will never die out."
Ning Lingyi understood: "Okay, let's meet."
Later, the main hall of the government office was cleared.
The charcoal brazier could not dispel the chill in the empty hall. Several old men, dressed in silk but unable to hide their panic, surrounded by several middle-aged men, knelt down in panic when they saw Ning Lingyi walk in.
"We, the common people, bow to thank Princess Mingzhu for saving the city!" The white-haired old man in the lead said with a trembling voice, "Your Highness has sent down divine troops from heaven to save us from dire straits. We will never forget this kindness! We are willing to offer our family's stored food and wealth, a small contribution, to support military supplies and help Your Highness quickly wipe out the Qiang bandits and recover Heshuo!"
The people nearby quickly agreed and brought out the gift list that had been prepared long ago.
Ning Lingyi sat upright in the main seat, her eyes calmly sweeping over the lowered heads and the gift lists respectfully presented, but she did not take them immediately.
She was silent for a few breaths before she slowly spoke, her voice unrecognizable as either emotion or anger: "I appreciate your kindness. However, this wealth is the product of your hard work and dedication, so I dare not accept it lightly."
The elder raised his head, tears streaming down his face. "Your Highness, your words are truly disrespectful to me! If Your Highness had not led the royal army into the city, my entire clan, young and old, would have been devoured by those Western Qiang wolves sooner or later! Gold, silver, and treasures are ultimately external possessions. How can they compare to the lives of this entire city?"
Someone responded, "Yes, yes. Since Your Highness entered the city, you have disciplined your troops and have not harmed anyone. The Mingzhu Guards maintain strict discipline and have saved the people from dire straits. This is a blessing for the people of Qinghe! This small gesture of gratitude is truly from the bottom of my heart. I hope Your Highness will not refuse!"
Ning Lingyi looked at the gratitude in the old man's eyes, and then looked at the complicated but equally pleading eyes of the others. She understood in her heart that this was both gratitude and surrender, and even more so a test and bet on the new order.
"Since that's the case," Ning Lingyi finally reached out and gave a slight support, "On behalf of the officers and soldiers, I would like to thank you all for your understanding of justice."
She changed the subject, "Now that Qinghe is under my jurisdiction, my top priority is to save the people, gather the scattered, and appease their hearts. The city is suffering from a severe food shortage, and the number of people dying of starvation and freezing is increasing. I want to save the people, but there are so many complex issues involved that I cannot accomplish it alone."
She glanced at the crowd and said, "I hope that all of you, the wise men of this village, can lend me a hand. Donate food, labor, and manpower to help me overcome these difficult times and help this devastated Qinghe City revive. Are you willing?"
Everyone in the hall was silent for a while, exchanging quick glances.
Donating money is one thing, and contributing food and labor is another.
But looking at Ning Lingyi's calm gaze, and thinking of the black flag fluttering in the blood and fire last night...
The leading elder took a deep breath and bowed again: "Your Highness is benevolent and cares deeply about the people! We are willing to serve you like dogs and horses and accept your orders."
"Your Highness, we are at your disposal!" The others followed suit and bowed.
Ning Lingyi nodded slightly. "Okay, Mr. Su will discuss the details with you. I hope you will keep your words and deeds, and live up to my words today."
"I dare not!"
After seeing off the representatives of the wealthy families with different thoughts, Ning Lingyi rubbed his increasingly swollen and painful forehead.
Su Qingfan whispered, "It's a good start, but I'm afraid it won't be so smooth going forward."
"I know. People's hearts are like water, they must be guided slowly. Right now, there is something else that needs to be dealt with quickly."
The atmosphere in the parade ground next to the Governor's Mansion was solemn.
Thousands of emaciated former Qinghe garrison prisoners were gathered here.
Their eyes were numb, like lambs to be slaughtered, and many of them still bore scars from their time as slaves of the Western Qiang.
Wang Mengzi was dressed in military uniform, standing with his sword in hand, his face as cold as iron. In front of him, more than a dozen officers who were tied up were kneeling, all of them with pale faces and trembling like sieves.
"Investigate! When Zhenzhou and Weizhou fell, you, as the defending generals and captains, gave up resistance and were the first to abandon the cities and flee, causing great chaos in the army and suffering for the people!"
"Investigate! You, as generals, routinely withhold military pay, exploit the soldiers' blood and enrich yourselves, yet you show no courage at all during wartime!"
"Investigate! After you surrendered to the Western Qiang, you became accomplices to the evil, aiding and abetting the tyrant, murdering your captured comrades and exploiting the people of the city!"
*
The charges were read out loud, each word as sharp as a knife.
Wang Mengzi's eyes were devoid of any warmth. He suddenly drew his sword, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes: "According to military law, the crime should be punished by death. Behead!"
“Have mercy!”
"General, spare my life! It's from above..."
The shrill cries for mercy came to an abrupt end.
"Puff! Puff! Puff!"
A bright knife flashed, and more than a dozen heads rolled into the dust. The blood instantly dyed the cold ground red, and a suppressed cry of surprise was heard on the training ground.
Wang Mengzi sheathed his sword without even glancing at the corpses on the ground. He glanced at the remaining thousands of surrendered soldiers and said, "The ringleader has been executed. The rest, follow my orders."
"Anyone who has a fighting spirit and still has blood in their veins, and is willing to follow Her Royal Highness Princess Mingzhu to drive out the Qiang bandits and protect our homeland, please step forward! After passing the test, you may join the Mingzhu Guard!"
"Anyone who is disabled or no longer wishes to bear arms should register, receive rations and travel expenses, return to the countryside, behave themselves, and become a good citizen of the Southern Dynasty!"
"If anyone commits crimes and wreaks havoc on the local area again, or secretly connects with the Western Qiang," he pointed at the bloodstains still lingering on the ground, "this will be their fate!"
After a brief silence, the crowd began to stir.
Some people shrank back, some struggled in their eyes, but more people looked at the black Pearl flag fluttering in the wind on the high platform, and the neatly-dressed Pearl Guards behind Wang Mengzi. A faint light gradually ignited in their numb eyes.
One, two, ten, a hundred...
More and more figures staggered but firmly out of the ranks. They might be ragged or look pale, but their chests were slightly raised in the cold wind.
Wang Mengzi's tense expression finally relaxed a little.
He personally stepped forward and began to select and register to supplement the Mingzhu Guards.
The bloodline of Mingzhuwei began to develop again after the blood and fire of Qinghe.
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