I am a prince in Zhutian Films

Chapter 217: Changing the Country’s Name and Establishing a New Army

The smell of gunpowder wafts in the air, and the taste of blood fills your mouth and nose. It's that uncomfortable feeling that will take a lifetime to get used to.

Soldiers were carrying corpses everywhere. Blood was flowing on the ground, turning into a semi-viscous black and red liquid, staining the land beneath their feet.

Chu Zhao looked at the corpse-carrying team passing by and said in a deep voice: "When cleaning up the battlefield, burn the remains of the fallen soldiers. Although I'm sorry, even though it's winter now, I'm afraid we can't transport the remains of the fallen soldiers back before they rot so that their families can see them for the last time. We can only bring their ashes back."

"Your Majesty is kind and benevolent." Zhao Fugui nodded when he heard that.

In his opinion... to be precise, not only him, but everyone who heard these words thought that Chu Zhao was very kind by bringing back the ashes of those sacrificed soldiers. When they thought about their fathers and brothers who died in the battlefield during the expedition, how could they have ever seen their bones?
Not to mention bones, even ashes are impossible to find. At most, they would send someone to inform you that someone in your family died in the battle.

Sometimes, there is not even the most basic notification of death, and the soldier's family has to ask for help through others or through connections.

"Oh, right, have someone ask Xiao Ruofeng whether he wants to deal with the soldiers from Beili. I can ask him to send a team of a thousand people to collect their bodies. If he doesn't dare to send anyone, then... take a few barrels of refined kerosene and burn them."

In this battle, more than 90,000 people from the Beili side died. If so many corpses are not dealt with in time, it will definitely bring unimaginable epidemics. We cannot allow too many rotten corpses to contaminate this side.

Langya City, under the west city wall.

In this brutal attack and defense battle, the western city wall suffered the least casualties, but the most deaths were among the Beili people.

Because those defending West City were all former Beili people.

"Another... familiar face..."

After carefully placing the corpse of a soldier with a still young face on the crematorium, the captain Wei Tianyi, who was directing the burning of the corpses, sighed secretly.

He sat next to the pile of corpses, staring at the bodies burning on the fire with a dull look, and fell into unprecedented confusion.

Half a year ago, he was still a general under Huixi Jun, fighting against the Western Chu army as a Beili general.

However, who could have imagined that Huixi Jun would abandon them, leaving their entire team in a desperate situation and eventually becoming captives of Western Chu.

Wei Tianyi respected the Emperor of Western Chu very much, because although he was the emperor of Western Chu, he knew that the people of Western Chu had suffered a lot in Beili, but he still gave them generous treatment. Even though they were prisoners, they were treated the same as Western Chu soldiers. He even allowed those soldiers who did not want to stay in the army to leave and gave them one or two taels of silver as return home expenses.

This is absolutely impossible to happen in Beili.

He was also very kind to the people of Beili. Not only did he distribute the land of the aristocratic families to the common people, he also reduced taxes and even let the soldiers help the common people with farming and autumn harvest.

This was the first time that he experienced firsthand the meaning of the phrase "love your people as your own children". It can be said that the people of Beili were much better off under the rule of Western Chu than when they were in Beili.

So he chose without hesitation to continue serving as a soldier, a soldier of the Eastern Expedition Army who surrendered to Western Chu and fought against his former homeland Beili.

At first, out of gratitude to the King of Western Chu and believing that he was a king worthy of serving, Wei Tianyi did not think too much about it. But at this moment, when these familiar compatriots around him suffered massive casualties due to the war, he could not help but become confused.

What exactly are they fighting for?

Is it for Western Chu, or for the Majesty of Western Chu?
They are all Beili people, but they want to fight for the enemy country Xi Chu?

The reason why he had such thoughts was that he had no sense of belonging to Xi Chu.

Of course, another point is that too many people died today, and the key point is that they were all former Beili people.

This made them doubt how Chu Zhao viewed them, the surrendered troops from Beili.

Even if there was a corpse of a Western Chu soldier on the west city wall, Wei Tianyi would not have such negative thoughts.

But in fact, all the dead here were Beili people, all Beili people. Not to mention the bodies of Western Chu soldiers, there were not even the bodies of Hu soldiers.

Fortunately, Chu Zhao's series of actions made him quite prestigious both among the people and in the army. If it were someone else, I am afraid that these Beili soldiers who once surrendered to him would not return to Beili's arms today, but would at least mutiny to express their obvious dissatisfaction.

"call……"

Wei Tianyi exhaled, shook his head to put aside his wild thoughts, and prepared to continue directing the transportation of the corpses for burning.

But at this moment, two soldiers came running over and said, "Captain Wei, His Majesty has ordered us to assemble."

Wei Tianyi was stunned for a moment, and subconsciously put his hand on the hilt of the knife, and asked in a deep voice: "Has the Beili army returned?"

"No."

"Then why did His Majesty ask us to gather together?"

"do not know."

Just as he finished speaking, a lieutenant passed by and said, "Why are you asking so many questions? Just go and take a look and you will know."

When the group arrived at the gathering place, they could vaguely see the handsome young emperor who looked like a fairy from heaven, and two beautiful ladies who looked like fairies, sitting casually among a group of ordinary soldiers and talking about something, sometimes causing laughter, sometimes attracting cheers...

If no one knew their identities, I'm afraid no one would believe that they were the three most honorable people in Western Chu.

It is hard to imagine that the three most distinguished people in Western Chu could get along well with these soldiers.

After watching for a while, Wei Tianyi could not hear clearly because they were too far away, so he whispered, "What are your majesty and the ladies talking about?"

He seemed to be asking himself, or also seemed to be asking the soldiers next to him.

The soldier next to him shook his head. Before he could say anything, Wei Tianyi said unhappily, "What are you laughing at? Get out of the way and let me pass."

By the time he broke through layers of obstacles and squeezed into the inner circle, the field had become quiet. His Majesty also stood up, swept a pair of very gentle eyes over the crowd, and then said something that surprised everyone.

"I know that many of you present here are confused. You are confused about why we are fighting and why those who sacrificed their lives sacrificed their lives. After all, you were all Beili people. Xichu is an enemy country to you. It is an existence that you want to destroy."

Hearing these words, many soldiers present showed complicated expressions.

Yes, they do struggle with this.

Because in this offensive and defensive battle between Western Chu and Northern Li, they only saw the corpses of the Northern Li people, but did not see even one Western Chu soldier, so they subconsciously wondered whether the emperor of Western Chu was using us, the Northern Li surrendered soldiers.

There was silence all around, and all the soldiers were silently staring at the Emperor of Western Chu who looked like an immortal.

Chu Zhao said solemnly: "Yes, you are all fighting for Western Chu, fighting for the people of Western Chu, but what I don't understand is why you are complaining? Aren't you part of my Western Chu people, aren't you my citizens of Western Chu? Is there anything wrong with fighting for your country?!"

After three questions in a row, all the soldiers who heard Chu Zhao's words were confused, and an idea suddenly emerged in their minds.

——Are we also people of Western Chu?

It was obvious that Chu Zhao was here to comfort these Beili surrendered soldiers, but they never expected that Chu Zhao would ask them back, and in a questioning tone. But what was incredible was that after hearing this harsh questioning, these Beili surrendered soldiers were not angry, but instead felt inexplicably flustered, as if they had really done something unforgivable.

"I remember that when I recruited you, I told you that those who wanted to leave the army and were willing to stay within the borders of Western Chu were the people of Western Chu, and those who were willing to stay in the army were the soldiers of the people of Western Chu and the guardians of Western Chu. I would treat you all equally. I just want to ask you, have I done that?"

Chu Zhao's voice was not loud, but everyone present could hear it clearly, and they couldn't help but feel ashamed.

Have you done it?
Of course I did.

Although they were surrendered soldiers, their treatment was the same as everyone else. Even the subsidies for deaths and casualties in battle were higher than those of the Western Chu and Western Hu people.

"Of course, within the borders of Western Chu, there is definitely a distinction between Western Chu people and Northern Li people, and even between Southern Jue people, Western Hu people, and Northern Que people. I am very sorry for this!"

Chu Zhao bowed deeply and continued, "I don't have the ability to change everyone's hearts and minds, and force the former Western Chu survivors to completely accept you, but I and the officials in the court have been working hard to resolve the grievances and hatreds over the years.

I don't know what the former Western Chu was like, but in my hands, no matter if they are Beili people, Nanjue people, Hu people, etc., as long as they are willing to work for my Western Chu and willing to share the joys and sorrows with my Western Chu, I call them... Chu people. From today on, Western Chu is officially renamed Chu, the Chu State, and you are all Chu people!"

All the soldiers present were moved when they heard this. After all, this was the first time they heard Chu Zhao explain the matter so solemnly.

What’s more important is that His Majesty actually changed the country’s name because of them. This is simply unprecedented!
Glancing around at the soldiers present, Chu Zhao slowed down his tone and said sternly, "I will not thank you, because in my opinion, you are all part of my Chu State, and it is only natural for you to share the country's worries."

Chu Zhao paused for a moment, then changed the subject: "However, I am proud of you. As a Chu people, you will get the treatment and respect you deserve. Maybe the history will not record you, but I will remember, and the people of Chu will remember that the soldiers who fought bravely with the Beili Zhenxi Army in the winter of the second year of Kaiyuan in Chu were from Langya, Chu, and were born in the Langya Army! Future generations will not call you Beili people who surrendered to Chu, but will only respect you as the Chu people of Langya County who sacrificed their lives for the country. Are you satisfied with this?"

"Long live your Majesty!"

"Long live the Chu Kingdom!"

A soldier raised his arms and shouted, leading the surrounding soldiers to raise their arms and shout as well.

Wei Tianyi looked at his right hand which he raised subconsciously and smiled at himself.

He suddenly felt a little stupid.

Yes, their Majesty has never regarded them as surrendered soldiers of Beili, but truly regards them as citizens of Western Chu... No, now they should be said to be the people of Chu. So, what does it matter if they fight for their country, even if they have to sacrifice a lot?

Thinking of this, he no longer had any resentment in his heart. He clenched his fists and waved his arms along with the others.

After waiting for a while, Chu Zhao waved his hand to signal the soldiers to shut up. Everyone knew that His Majesty still had something to say, so they stopped talking one after another.

At this moment, a soldier closest to Chu Zhao suddenly asked, "Your Majesty, the Langya Army you just mentioned is the designation given to our Beili surrendered soldiers?"

Chu Zhao was stunned for a moment, looked at the soldier who spoke with appreciation, nodded, and said loudly: "Yes, Langya Army, your number. Perhaps you will ask, why didn't I give you a number before?
Because you didn't show your might before, but after today's battle, you showed me how powerful you are, so I grant you the Langya Army number, making you the fourth army of the Chu State with an independent number, the Langya Army!"

"Langya Army, Langya Army..."

For a moment, the three words "Langya Army" resounded everywhere.

Chu Zhao pressed his hand again to quiet everyone down, and continued: "When I recruited you, I actually thought of letting you form an independent army, so I didn't disperse you into the Longwu Army.

Of course, it is undeniable that part of the reason is that the customs of the Longwu Army are different from those of our Central Plains. You may not be able to adapt to them. Moreover, as they are members of our Chu State, I must also respect their customs..."

Before he could finish his words, another ordinary soldier interrupted and said, "Why don't you include us in the Bloody Army?"

"As for why I didn't include you in the Blood Robe Army, in addition to letting you form your own army, of course most of you are not strong enough to join the Blood Robe Army. The Blood Robe Army is the most elite force in our Chu State, and not everyone is qualified to join. But I believe in you, the Langya Army, and one day you will definitely be stronger than the Blood Robe Army."

"Your Majesty, rest assured. Our Langya Army will never let you down."

"We will defeat the Blood-shirted Army sooner or later."

"..."

Just as several generals were boosting morale, an ordinary soldier timidly asked, "Your Majesty, do we have any rewards this time?"

It must be that Chu Zhao has good hearing, otherwise he wouldn't be able to hear what he said.

He was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "What reward do you want?"

The soldier who asked the question didn't know what to say. He thought for a long time before saying, "It seems that there is nothing missing at home. Your Majesty has divided the land among us, and you have rewarded us with cattle, sheep and silver for the previous battle. I don't know what reward I want."

"Your Majesty, I know he still needs a wife."

As soon as these words were spoken, the soldier who was asking for the reward blushed immediately, while the others burst into laughter.

Chu Zhao also smiled: "Those who need wives can find one by themselves. I am not responsible. If you have the ability, I will not care if you marry as many wives as you want. I will also give you a gift to celebrate your wedding. But I have to say it in advance. Military discipline is the bottom line that cannot be touched. Whoever dares to forcibly seize a woman, no matter how great his merits are, will be killed without mercy!"

Even though he was smiling, no one present dared to take it lightly.

Because the soldiers present had all seen bloody cases.

Not long ago, a general in the Longwu Army was beheaded by Chu Zhao himself for insulting an ordinary woman while drunk.

Not only did he kill the general who was second only to Zhao Fugui, but he also beat the commander Zhao Fugui with 30 military sticks.

Of course, this is just what they have seen, and they have heard of many more similar situations.

It is rumored that at least a thousand people who violated military discipline were killed in the past two years.

No matter how great the merit is, one cannot be exempted. In some situations where killing is optional, one must kill!

It can be said that the strict military discipline in their army was achieved through hard work.

Finally, Chu Zhao once again glanced at the soldiers in front of him and said loudly: "I will not forget your contributions, but military discipline is the bottom line, no one can touch it. As long as you can abide by military discipline, I will never let you suffer any injustice. In the future, if anyone dares to call you Beili surrendered soldiers again, no matter who the other party is, I will slap him in the face, and I will take care of you."

Once these words were spoken, the atmosphere was stirred up again, and all the soldiers present shouted loudly.

"Long live your Majesty!"

"Long live the Chu Kingdom!"

Hearing the cheers of the surrendered soldiers from Beili... no, the Langya army, Zhao Fugui, who came to report the news, was stunned. He did not expect that the morale, which had been low before, would become so high in such a short time.

Then he laughed from the bottom of his heart.

Even the former Beili soldiers are loyal to Western Chu and are united as one. Although Beili still has 200,000 people, it will undoubtedly be defeated!
Because their reinforcements and ammunition supplies arrived.

(End of this chapter)