Tiger Guards

Chapter 149: Not Good at Night Fights
South of the old Huben camp, in a small bay in the ravine of Zijin Mountain.

Pei Xiu led the team and walked all the way to this grave bay, pushing the cart.

He looked around and saw the Tomb of Rui Jun from Nanxiang, Wenxi. It was a dilapidated tombstone with an inscription carved by Zhao Ji a month ago.

Taking a few steps forward to observe, it can be seen that Zhao Ji may have taken a shortcut at that time, using cursive writing to write the complex strokes of these eight characters.

Now looking carefully at Rui Dan's tombstone, Pei Xiucai was secretly surprised. He really didn't expect that Zhao Ji also had achievements in cursive script.

Cursive script is not something you can write well by just writing faster and faster. If you want to write good cursive script, you must master regular cursive script.

The deeper the attainments in cursive script, the more likely it is that one has learned it since childhood from generations of nobles, or has studied under a famous teacher and received all the instruction.

Pei Xiu carefully observed the eight characters carved by Zhao Ji, and found that they simplified the complex characters very appropriately.

Carving the old wooden board with a knife does not reveal any calligraphy background, but one can see Zhao Ji's treatment of the text.

This is a typical cursive script, and it also takes into account the practicality of the tombstone. Anyone with a little literacy can recognize these eight characters.

Even if he asked his uncle to write it, he would not be able to achieve the natural form and meaning of Zhao Ji.

Pei Xiu suddenly sighed, and Guan Shang, who followed him, asked, "Seventh Brother?"

"Nothing. I boast that I've known Aji since childhood, but now I realize that he was precocious and has abilities beyond my comprehension."

Then he raised his hand and pointed at Rui Dan's tombstone: "A Shang, look, A Ji just did it casually at that time, but his cursive calligraphy is as good as that of the great masters of the time."

Guan Shang took a half step forward and squatted down to study it closely. He couldn't see what was so praiseworthy about it. Even the word "乡" (county) had been omitted by Zhao Ji.

Even so, he could tell at a glance that it was a "rural" character.

Sometimes, for the sake of convenience, Xiangdang is written as Langdang.

When written as Langdang, whether you read it as Xiangdang or Langdang, it refers to the same group of people.

Guan Shang stared at the word "乡" and became even more puzzled: "乡无郎", Aji wrote this, is it because he feels that men of our generation sacrificed their lives for the country and it is difficult for their souls to return to their hometowns?"

"Maybe so."

Pei Xiu turned to the knight behind him and said, "From now on, when we erect monuments for heroes, the name of 'township' written by Minister Zhao will be used as the reference."

"Here!"

The knights agreed, and they also felt that Guan Shang's understanding made sense.

When a young man enlists in the army, he leaves his hometown and settles down somewhere else, which naturally means saying goodbye to his hometown.

The twenty or so young and strong Xiongnu and mixed Hu people who were captured yesterday were tired from pushing the carts, and now they began to dig graves under the supervision of the knights.

Pei Xiu took the pen, looked at the list and began to write the tombstone.

The Tiger Soldiers who died on the chariots had wooden plaques with inscriptions hung around their necks, corresponding to the tombstones, and were buried first on the sunny slopes of the grave bay.

The original old graves were brutally destroyed by the Xiongnu captives, but neither they nor the officials who came to the funeral minded.

Even if the ghosts in these old tombs are dissatisfied, they will not be able to cause any trouble. They will definitely be suppressed and enslaved by the tiger soldiers and the heroic spirits of various armies.

In the future, when comrades in the army come here to pay their respects, these ghosts may also be able to eat some soup with the heroic spirits.

The fallen Yulin and Beijiang volunteers were also transported here, but their graves were dug in a relatively remote location.

A volunteer soldier from Beijiang was filled with emotion. They followed Li Kan and hid everywhere, and they were worried that they would die in battle.

Not to mention such a mass burial, even the bodies would be difficult to retrieve.

Several Yu Lin representatives also expressed deep emotion. After Pei Xiu finished writing on all the tombstones, he stood at the highest point of the grave bay and observed the direction of the surrounding ravines.

In the upcoming decisive battle, many Tiger Infantrymen will also suffer casualties.

The grave bay is relatively rugged, and it seems that the soldiers of the Tiger Infantry Army who die in battle in the future can only be buried on the gentle slope at the foot of the mountain.

On the other side, Fu Wan, Yang Zhong and Sima Fang led dozens of officials to the North Camp to review the neatly arranged Xiongnu heads.

After yesterday's outpost encounter and vanguard battle, more than 1,700 heads were captured and placed on the North Camp training ground, forming 18 small square formations.

Sima Fang was driven away by Zhao Yan after serving as the governor of Hedong County for only a few days. If he insisted on staying in Anyi to compete with Zhao Yan for power, Zhao Yan would not mind arranging for the clan thieves to kill Sima Fang.

Sima Fang was half of Cao Cao's sponsor, so he was naturally hated by Zhao Yan.

Zhao Ji did not force the emperor to inspect the head, but when the emperor did not come, the Huben, Yulin and other soldiers who participated in the battle and made contributions felt somewhat disappointed.

He led Fu Wan and the others in an inspection, and finally pointed to a head impaled on a short spear: "This is the head of Tai'ahou, the Black Wolf King and the Right Great Danghu of the Chanyu Royal Court. The Right Wise King can prove it."

Qu Bei, who was following the inspection, said, "It was Tai'ahou himself. After he was shot dead by Minister Zhao, the Black Wolf Tribe's totem banner was also seized by Minister Zhao."

After saying that, Qubei went to observe Fu Wan.

Fu Wan nodded repeatedly: "Very good, I will report the truth and ask for credit to the emperor." Yang Zhong frowned and didn't want to say anything. He was more concerned about the safety of Yang Qi and Yang Biao.

Sima Fang had just seen Zhao Yan's expression and would not say anything nice at this moment, otherwise where would the integrity of the Sima family in Henei be?
The Huben and Yulin Langguan standing on the left and right sides, as well as the leaders of Hou Xuan, Li Kan and others, generally disliked the arrogant, stern and unapproachable expressions of Yang Zhong and Sima Fang.

These people looked at Yang Zhong and Sima Fang with vicious and stern eyes. Seeing that the soldiers were so vicious and stubborn, it was even more impossible for Yang Zhong and Sima Fang to humble themselves and smile to please these soldiers.

The atmosphere was not good, so Zhao Ji asked, "Last night the Xiongnu cavalry crossed the Hui River. I wonder how the camp is doing?"

"Thanks to the diligent efforts of the guards, the Xiongnu's invasion was fruitless, and they gradually retreated before the fourth watch."

Fu Wan asked in reply, "Have the cavalry under the Minister's command been able to intercept them?"

"Mr. Fu, even if you are an elite cavalryman, you have marched a hundred and twenty miles and participated in a bloody battle. You are already mentally exhausted and physically depleted. How can you fight?"

Zhao Ji said calmly, "This is just about military matters. Lord Fu is not very proficient in this, so it's better not to discuss it lightly."

Sima Fang then bowed and said, "This is not what you asked, Lord Fu. This is what the Emperor is puzzled about. I would like to ask the Minister to explain it."

Hearing this, Zhao Ji slowly turned his head to look at Sima Fang, examining the tall figure from head to toe: "You have a strong and sturdy figure, worthy of your family of generals. It would be a shame if you didn't join the army."

Sima Fang immediately became furious and wanted to curse, but he felt that he would also curse his own family.

His great-grandfather Sima Jun was the General of the Western Expedition at his highest position, but the first time he participated in and commanded a large-scale military operation, his entire army was wiped out; the second time he divided his troops with others, and the other group was defeated by the Eastern Qiang. Sima Jun won and seized a lot of spoils.

He then ordered his troops to harvest the Dong Qiang's crops on the spot, but his subordinates, greedy for the spoils, pursued them further, but were ambushed and defeated by the Dong Qiang, and were hunted down.

Sima Jun was in the city at the time. He was angry that his subordinates disobeyed his orders and did not send troops to support him. As a result, more than 3,000 people were pursued and annihilated by the Eastern Qiang.

As the situation deteriorated, Sima Jun also escaped and returned, but was imprisoned by the court. Before the Supreme Court could convict him, Sima Jun committed suicide in prison, thus preserving his family's honor.

So his son and grandson all became county magistrates, and their generations held the title of 2,000-stone official.

Starting from Sima Jun, the Sima family no longer focused on military research, but instead devoted themselves to studying the Book of Han.

Sima Fang took a few deep breaths before calming down his anger and avoiding conflict with Zhao Ji.

Yang Zhong was also speechless. Fu Wan's statement was incomplete and he asked about military affairs with his own attitude.

After being refuted and belittled by Zhao Ji, Sima Fang brought up the emperor and elevated Fu Wan's question to the level of a question asked by the emperor.

Zhao Ji was even simpler. He directly scolded Sima Fang's family as the sons of a defeated general, who were not good at fighting and were interested in literature and clinging to the Ruying people.

He looked around with a smile on his face.

Pei Mao is not here, and there is no one to ease the atmosphere.

Anyway, there was no way he would jump out and say anything. I really wanted to see what harsh words Fu Wan would say when he was extremely angry.

Hou Xuan and Li Kan, standing on one side, glared at each other angrily, wishing they could pounce on and beat up these important ministers accompanying the emperor.

Jia Xu saw that Fu Wan was still able to hold back his anger even when he was extremely angry, as if he was waiting for Zhao Ji to take the initiative to respond to "the emperor's question".

Zhao Ji looked at Sima Fang with contempt, as if he was going to provoke Sima Fang and kill him with a sword.

Han Shu, who was standing not far from Zhao Ji, took out the copper hammer behind him.

Sima Fang was really tall, even taller than himself, which made Han Shu feel a little uncomfortable.

Sima Fang raised his chin, gradually subsiding his anger, and looked like he was ready to be beaten.

Anyway, he just stopped talking, expressing his pride and integrity with his attitude, to avoid angering Zhao Ji with his words and giving him an excuse or handle.

Seeing that Sima Fang understood very well, Zhao Ji smiled and said: "Very good, it seems that Huan Dian's leg was not broken in vain. I am very relieved."

He turned to look at Fu Wan and replied seriously, "Since Lord Fu is asking on behalf of the Emperor, then I will answer that our army is not good at fighting at night."

"Not good at night fighting?"

Fu Wan asked again, obviously not believing it, and looked at Zhao Ji suspiciously.

Zhao Ji asked in return, "Is this question from Lord Fu or from the Emperor?"

Fu Wan immediately became alert and smiled, "That's what I asked. From what I've seen, when the Minister of the Interior first enlisted as a member of the Tiger Guards, he fought many night battles. How can you say he's not good at night battles?"

"So I said to you, Lord Fu, that you don't know anything about military affairs. How is my expertise in night battles necessarily related to the expertise of my officers and men?"

Zhao Ji bowed to the south, facing Liu Xie, and then replied solemnly, "Whether in life, commanding an army, defending against the enemy, or governing a nation, one should conduct oneself with honorable battle formations and glorious deeds. How can one rely on shady, sneaky tactics for victory or defeat? Previously, the ministers were incompetent and the court was in danger. I had no choice but to fight a night battle and risk my life. Now, I bear the lives of over a hundred thousand men and women in Hedong on my shoulders. How can I risk a night battle?"

Jia Xu beside him nodded slowly, looking very approving.

But he knew very well that if there was a chance to defeat the Huns in a night battle, Zhao Ji would definitely go all out and would not hesitate at all.

(End of this chapter)