Chapter 37 Mr. Bear of the General Staff Headquarters

The regulations for military ranks had also been established, with the most important rule being that those of lower rank must unconditionally obey those of higher rank. This ensured that even if a commanding officer fell in battle, there would be no chaos from lack of leadership.

As for the rules governing rank promotions, there were two scenarios. During wartime, promotions were based on merit. In peacetime, new recruits started as privates; upon meeting assassination standards, they could be promoted directly to private or corporal. Corporals could be promoted one rank every three years up to sergeant, every four years up to captain, and every five years up to colonel. Promotions beyond colonel required demonstrated military merit. Thus, a recruit in peacetime, assuming no mistakes, could rise to colonel after thirty-six years, by which point they would likely no longer be serving in the army. This sent a clear message—if you want to rise in rank, you must earn distinction in battle.

The awarding of military merit was governed by detailed regulations. After each battle, military judges recorded individual achievements, which were then converted into potential rank promotions. Henceforth, a soldier’s promotion referred to their rank advancement, while military posts followed a separate set of rules, assessed by factors such as casualty rates and mission completion, measuring command efficiency and serving as the basis for promotion in position.

The First Division commanded three infantry brigades, one artillery battalion, and two cavalry battalions, totaling over fifteen thousand troops. The Second Division oversaw two infantry brigades and two artillery battalions, with more than eleven thousand soldiers. The Third Division commanded three infantry brigades and three cavalry battalions, totaling around thirteen thousand. The Independent Brigade included three infantry battalions, three cavalry battalions, and one artillery battalion, with over ten thousand men.

After the Imperial Guard units completed their reorganization, Zhu Youxiao ordered the First Division, accompanied by the White Flag soldiers, to proceed to southern Liaoning, aiming to seize a strategic location and ultimately control the entire region. The Second Division was dispatched to Juehua Island to relieve the garrison stationed there. The Third Division and the Independent Brigade were tasked with defending the capital.

Lu Qin and Zhou Yuji returned from the southwest without incident, but Man Gui was displeased. He had grown wiser and refrained from approaching Zhu Youxiao directly; instead, he sought out Lu Xiangsheng, requesting him to petition the emperor to allow Man Gui to lead the campaign against the Jian tribes.

Lu Xiangsheng smiled and said, “Qianyi, don’t be anxious. The emperor has already promised that you will soon be sent to the front. For now, focus on training your troops well.”

Man Gui looked doubtful. “Scholar Lu, please don’t deceive me. Did the emperor truly say that?”

Lu Xiangsheng replied, “I wouldn’t dare misrepresent the emperor’s words. Rest assured, Commander Man, His Majesty has a broad vision. You need not worry about lack of combat. For now, take care of your marriage—this is important.”

Man Gui’s face flushed deeply. “Chief of Staff Yang has promised to arrange a matchmaker with the Grand Princess on my behalf.”

“That’s good. I look forward to your wedding banquet. Hopefully, we can celebrate your full moon banquet when you return victorious from southern Liaoning.”

Man Gui blushed, stammering, unable to reply. Lu Xiangsheng ceased teasing him. “His Majesty intends to send you against the northern barbarians. You know that region well, so train your troops diligently.”

Only then did Man Gui brighten. Having long been in conflict with the Mongols, he knew that at this stage open warfare was impossible, but occasional skirmishes were necessary. Though not comparable to fighting the Jian tribes, it was far better than being stuck in the capital.

Xiong Tingbi and Wang Huazhen had been sentenced to death and were held temporarily in the imperial prison, awaiting the autumn verdict. At this time, Mao Wenlong submitted a memorial, offering to offset Wang Huazhen’s crimes with his own merits and requested imperial clemency. Other ministers also seized the opportunity to petition for leniency on behalf of the two.

Zhu Youxiao, seeking a reason to sideline the two men, upon receiving Mao Wenlong’s memorial, issued a special pardon: commuting Xiong Tingbi and Wang Huazhen’s death sentences, but stripping them of all official posts and exiling them to serve in the garrison at Jiliao.

Xiong Tingbi was sent to southern Liaoning. By then, Yang Guangkui had already arrived at Juehua Island with the General Staff Department. Xiong Tingbi was dispatched directly to Juehua Island, becoming an old soldier—no, rather a new recruit—within the General Staff. This veteran recruit wore a single bar on his shoulder insignia as he reported for duty.

Yang Guangkui and his staff greeted Xiong Tingbi at the gate. Xiong seemed about to kneel, but Yang hurriedly helped him up. “Commander Xiong, there’s no need for such formality. How could a mere subordinate like me receive such grand respect?”

Xiong insisted on the proper ceremony. “In all things, there must be rules. Since I’ve been sent here, I am no longer a commander but a soldier under Chief of Staff Yang. How can I not pay proper respect?”

Yang Guangkui could not refuse and said, “Since you are a soldier in my Imperial Guard, you must follow our customs. In the military, no kneeling is required. A military salute will suffice.”

A staff officer demonstrated the salute to Xiong, who then returned the gesture to Yang. Yang saluted back and respectfully invited Xiong inside. Xiong insisted Yang enter first. After a brief standoff, they entered together, arm in arm.

Inside the staff office, Yang invited Xiong to take the guest seat. Xiong did not protest and sat down. Yang said, “We juniors have long awaited your leadership, Commander Xiong—or rather, Mr. Xiong. The staff office is newly established. The emperor has instructed us to manage the entire army and formulate battle plans. As novices, we are at a loss and look forward to your guidance.”

Xiong’s expression grew somber. “A defeated general dares not speak of valor. I cannot claim such honor, Chief of Staff Yang.”

Yang cupped his hands toward the capital. “His Majesty says that no one can surpass you in advising the Liaodong military council. We juniors will study closely under you.”

Xiong’s face brightened. “I do not deserve the emperor’s praise. Over the years in Liaodong, I have always...” Suddenly he realized this was no genuine compliment. The emperor meant that while his counsel was valuable, his leadership in battle was lacking.

He quickly corrected himself. “I have achieved little, especially after the disastrous defeat at Guangning earlier this year. Upon reflection, Wang Huazhen bears some blame, but I myself must accept fault. If I can be of even the slightest help to Chief of Staff Yang, it will be my good fortune.”

Yang was puzzled by the sudden turn but did not dwell on it. Since Xiong agreed to assist, he eagerly sought his advice.

Understanding the emperor’s true view, Xiong felt a chill. He was no longer the Liaodong commander, but a condemned man spared only by imperial mercy. He resolved to forget past grievances and devote himself wholly to the present task: driving the Jian tribes beyond the border.

With solemnity, he said, “Chief of Staff Yang, I believe the staff office, in advising military affairs, must first master strategic calculations. Astronomy, geography, and enemy movements must all be understood clearly. Only by careful planning before action can success be achieved.”

Various requests, thank you for your support!