Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

The military regulations were announced on the afternoon of the third day.

The shouts of workers clearing land on the north slope drifted from afar, carrying the ruggedness and vitality of labor. On the fortress wall, sentries patrolled along their predetermined routes, their eyes vigilantly scanning the distant mountain path and the nearby forest edge. At the gate, four Wei soldiers stood with their hands on their halberds, their armor gleaming.

Everything seemed to be operating smoothly and methodically according to the newly established rules.

Chen Wei led two soldiers from the enforcement team on a routine patrol of the fortress. The enforcement team was newly established, and each soldier wore a red scarf around their arm as a mark. Their eyes were sharp as eagles as they walked, and they never smiled. They first went to the military camp to check the maintenance of armor and weapons and the cleanliness of the barracks; then they went to the warehouse to verify Li Shu's merit records and the entry and exit of supplies; and then they went to the civilian area to hear Zhao Tiezhu's report on the situation of the fortress's inhabitants.

"Commander Chen," Zhao Tiezhu greeted Chen Weixun in a low voice as he approached, "These past two days, everyone has been noticeably more well-behaved. There are fewer arguments and quarrels, and after work, they know to wipe their farm tools clean and put them back in their designated places. It's just... yesterday evening, the woman in the third house on the east side said that half a bolt of new cloth she had hung out to dry in her yard was missing. That cloth was what she had been spinning hemp and weaving late into the night these past few days, intending to make winter clothes for her child. She was heartbroken and cried."

Chen Wei frowned: "Has a thorough investigation been conducted? Are there any eyewitness accounts?"

Zhao Tiezhu shook his head: "I asked the neighbors, and they all said they didn't see anything. It was right around the time when people were finishing work, and there were a lot of people coming and going. I told the woman not to make a fuss, so as not to cause panic, and just to keep an eye on things secretly."

"The cloth may not be of great value, but the first rule of military regulations clearly states that anyone who takes public or private property without authorization, regardless of its value, is in violation of the rules." Chen Wei's expression was serious. "This matter needs to be investigated. What about Wang Jian? Has there been any unusual activity in the labor camp?"

Zhao Tiezhu said, "The hard labor camp is relatively stable, and Wang Jian is keeping a close eye on things. It's just that Liu San. He was whipped twice for slacking off the other day, and he's been working hard these past two days, but his eyes are always gloomy. Also, a few prisoners have been asking privately when they can accumulate enough merit points to be released from hard labor."

Chen Wei remembered it and was about to ask again when he suddenly heard a series of hurried footsteps and shouts coming from the direction of the village gate!

The two exchanged a glance, and Chen Wei immediately turned around, leading the enforcement team quickly toward the village gate. Zhao Tiezhu hesitated for a moment, then followed.

At the village gate, the scene was already different.

Of the four gatekeepers, two remained standing guard, their hands on their halberds, vigilantly watching the outside of the fortress. The other two, however, were facing off against three young, strong refugees. On the ground, a rough earthenware water jug ​​was shattered, the water mixed with mud, soaking the area. An elderly refugee sat on the ground, clutching his forehead, blood seeping from between his fingers, groaning in pain. Several fortress dwellers passing by on their way home from work stood at a distance, not daring to approach, whispering amongst themselves.

At the center of the standoff stood a young Wei soldier, no more than eighteen or nineteen years old, his face still bearing a childish air, yet now flushed red. His ring-pommel sword, though not yet drawn, was already half-drawn. He shouted fiercely at the three angry-looking young refugees, "...Dare to step forward again, and don't blame me for being merciless!"

The three young refugees were valiant men from Zhao Family Village, hot-blooded and spirited. One carried a carrying pole, the other two were empty-handed, but all three held their heads high, their eyes blazing with anger. The young man with the carrying pole roared, "Sir, what a show of power! It was just a pottery jar that bumped into you, splashing a little water, and you dared to push over Uncle Zhao? And then draw your sword to intimidate us? We're from the village too, not prisoners to be beaten and killed at will!"

The older gatekeeper beside the young Wei soldier tried to pull his companion back, whispering, "Sun Er, sheathe your sword! Don't cause trouble!"

But Sun Er seemed to have lost face in front of his comrades and the refugees, especially when he saw Chen Wei and the others arriving. He refused to back down and his voice grew even louder: "They were clearly carrying water jugs and accidentally bumped into me, soiling my armor! And this old man is still speaking rudely! I was just following Article Sixteen of the military regulations to stop a private fight. What wrong have I done?!"

At this moment, Chen Wei had arrived close, glanced at them, and shouted in a deep voice, "Stop! Sheath your swords! Stand back!"

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried the authority of someone who had long served in the military. Sun Er paused upon hearing the voice, and seeing that it was Commander Chen himself, a flicker of panic crossed his face. He gritted his teeth, finally pushing his half-drawn sword back into place, taking a step back, but still holding his head high. The three young refugees also calmed down somewhat upon seeing Chen Wei's arrival, but their faces remained full of resentment.

Without looking at either of them, Chen Wei quickly walked to the old man sitting on the ground and squatted down beside him: "Old man, where are you injured? Can you get up?"

The old man lowered his hand from his forehead, revealing a bruise on his temple with blood seeping from the broken skin. He was still conscious, and upon seeing Chen Wei, he quickly said, "It's nothing, it's nothing. I was just careless and tripped, bumping into you, sir... no, into the door frame." As he spoke, his eyes darted away, avoiding looking at Sun Er.

Chen Wei remained calm, ordering a soldier from the enforcement team to help the old man to the side to rest, and to fetch a woman who knew a little about bandaging to treat his wounds. Then, he stood up, his cold gaze sweeping over Sun Er and the three young refugees: "Who can tell me exactly what happened? If there's even a single lie, according to military regulation number eighteen, those who give false reports will be severely punished!"

The young migrant carrying the carrying pole spoke first: "Commander Chen, we just finished work and came back. Uncle Zhao is old and lagged behind, so the three of us went back to meet him and help him carry water. When we got to the village gate, General Sun was coming off duty and hurriedly walked out, knocking over Uncle Zhao's water jug. Uncle Zhao said, 'Watch your step, General,' and General Sun got angry, shoved Uncle Zhao, and Uncle Zhao lost his balance and hit his head on the door frame! We were furious and went to argue with him, and he drew his knife!"

"Nonsense!" Sun Er roared. "It was clearly this old man carrying water jugs who staggered and bumped into me! Water splashed all over me! I merely raised my hand to block, I didn't push him at all! The old man lost his balance! These men rushed at me to attack, and I drew my sword in self-defense, what wrong have I done?!"

Both sides stuck to their own versions of events, and more and more villagers gathered to watch. Zhao Tiezhu also squeezed in, and upon hearing both sides' arguments, his brows furrowed. The other two soldiers guarding the gate and the older soldier hesitated to speak.

Chen Wei looked at the older soldier: "Squad Leader Li, you were there at the time and saw it clearly. Tell me."

Corporal Li hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Reporting to the commander, at that time... at that time, Sun Er had just been relieved of his post and was indeed in a hurry. Old Zhao was carrying water jugs in, and the two brushed past each other at the doorway. Whether they collided or not, I... I couldn't see clearly from my angle. I only saw the water jugs fall, and Old Zhao staggered and fell to the ground. Sun Er seemed to raise his hand to help him up, but Old Zhao still hit the door frame. Then those three young men rushed over, and Sun Er drew his knife."

His words were rather vague, but he leaned towards the conclusion that Sun Er bore little responsibility. The three young refugees were even angrier upon hearing this, but dared not lash out at Li Wuzhang.

Chen Wei stopped asking questions and walked to the doorway to examine it carefully. The floor of the doorway was damp, with pottery shards and water stains. He squatted down, observing the water splashes and the scattered pottery shards, and then looked at the faint impact marks and a dark red spot on the door frame. Afterward, he walked to Sun Er's side and carefully examined the hem of his armor. Sure enough, there were several fresh water stains, located slightly to the side and back.

"Sun Er, when did the water stains on your armor get there?" Chen Wei asked.

Sun Er was taken aback, looked down, and said, "It was splashed when that old man bumped into me!"

"The water stain is located on the back of your left leg," Chen Wei said calmly. "If you two were passing each other and he bumped into you, and the water can broke in front of you, the water stain should mainly be on your front collar and front leg armor. The water stain on your back is more likely caused by the water can shaking and splashing when you walked quickly past him."

Sun Er's expression changed: "This... perhaps..."

Chen Wei ignored him and walked over to the three young refugees. He looked at the carrying poles in their hands and the clothes on their bodies and asked, "When you three rushed over, were you carrying farm tools or sticks?"

"No!" said the young man carrying the carrying pole. "The carrying pole belongs to Uncle Zhao; we're empty-handed!"

"Empty-handed?" Chen Wei's gaze was like a knife. "Then where did these two fresh mud stains on your clothes come from? The color and texture of these mud stains match the freshly turned soil outside the doorway. When you rushed over, did you trip over the pile of fresh soil outside the doorway, get your hands on the ground, and then smear the mud on your clothes?"

The young man subconsciously looked at his clothes and saw two faint but fresh mud stains. He was speechless and his face turned bright red.

Chen Wei had already made his judgment. He walked back to the field, faced the crowd, and said loudly, "The matter is clear. Sun Er, while changing shifts and descending, was in a hurry and did not pay attention to avoid the old man carrying water, causing his water jug ​​to overturn and water to splash onto his armor. After being pointed out by the old man, Sun Er was indignant and did push the old man, causing him to hit his forehead. This violates Article 16 of the military regulations, 'Private fighting is strictly prohibited,' and its implied 'No bullying of the weak!' Furthermore, with only three people on the other side and no weapons, Sun Er arbitrarily drew his knife to intimidate them, escalating the conflict. His actions were inappropriate!"

Sun Er's face turned ashen. He opened his mouth to argue, but seeing Chen Wei's cold eyes, he swallowed his words.

"You three," Chen Wei then looked at the young and strong refugees, "seeing an elderly man from your village injured, your anger and your attempt to reason with him is understandable. However, to attempt a fight without understanding the situation constitutes a private brawl. Furthermore, some of you are trying to conceal the fact that you charged with a carrying pole, exaggerating the circumstances, which violates Article 18 of the military regulations!"

The three young men lowered their heads, not daring to speak.

Chen Wei said in a deep voice, "The military regulations are still fresh in our minds! Although today's events did not result in a major disaster, it is precisely at a time when the rules are newly established and people's hearts are not yet firmly settled. If we do not severely punish those responsible, how can we uphold military discipline, win the hearts of the people, and establish authority?!"

He paused, his voice as cold as iron: "Soldier Sun Er, guarding the gate, violated Article Sixteen of Military Regulations by shoving and pushing civilians in the fort and drawing his knife without authorization. He committed multiple offenses. According to regulations, he deserves thirty lashes, a fine of one hundred merit points, demoted to a regular soldier, transferred from his gatekeeping post, and ordered to clean the barracks and latrines for one month! Enforcement team, arrest him!"

Two law enforcement officers stepped forward, removed Sun Er's sword, and took off his armband.

Sun Er trembled all over, finally realizing the gravity of the situation, and hissed, "Commander! This...this subordinate knows his mistake! I beg the commander to have mercy! Please consider this is your first offense..."

"Shut up!" Chen Wei shouted sternly. "Under military regulations, there is no distinction between first-time and repeat offenders! Execute them!"

The prepared enforcement team soldiers dragged Sun Er to the two execution stakes beside the village gate, stripped him of his upper garment, and tied him to the stakes. Another enforcement team soldier took a water-soaked leather whip.

"Refugees Zhao Daniu, Zhao Shuanzi, and Zhao Qing," Chen Wei then looked at the three young men, "Although there was a reason for the incident, their intention to engage in a private fight and their falsification of details are also wrong. According to the 'Fortress Citizens' Covenant' and the spirit of military regulations, each of them shall be given ten lashes and fined fifty merit points. The fined merit points shall be converted into millet to compensate Old Man Zhao for his loss of cloth! Zhao Tiezhu, carry out the order!"

Zhao Tiezhu took a deep breath and replied, "Yes!" He personally picked up another rattan cane and pointed it at the three young men: "Lie down!"

The inhabitants were in uproar, never expecting that even refugees would be punished. The three young men, their faces ashen, prostrated themselves on the ground in full view of everyone.

"Execute!" Chen Wei gave the order.

"Slap!" "Slap!"

The sounds of whips and rattan tearing through the air rang out alternately, accompanied by suppressed groans of pain. Bloody welts quickly appeared on Sun Er's back; he gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead. The three young refugees also convulsed in agony.

The fort's inhabitants and soldiers who watched were all terrified. Especially those who had been dismissive of the new regulations or harbored illusions, now, watching the whip flash and hearing the dull thuds of flesh striking flesh, felt a chill run from their feet to their heads. Military regulations were no joke! Even fort's inhabitants who made mistakes were publicly whipped!

After thirty lashes, Sun Er's back was a bloody mess, and he was almost unconscious. He was carried away by the enforcement team. After ten lashes, the three young refugees also had their buttocks bruised and battered. They were helped up by their companions, filled with shame.

Chen Wei ordered someone to fetch medicine and apply it to the five men. Then, he climbed a high rock beside the gate and, facing the silent crowd, proclaimed loudly: "You have all seen this! Under military regulations, there is no distinction between soldiers and civilians, no questioning the reason; those who commit wrongdoings are punished! Sun Er had the duty to guard the gate and should have been more cautious in his words and actions, yet he bullied the weak and drew his sword in a show of force, therefore he is severely punished! Zhao Daniu and the others, protecting their fellow villagers is understandable, but their behavior was excessive and they used falsehoods to cover up their actions, therefore they are punished less severely and ordered to compensate for their losses!"

"From this day forward, let everyone remember this: in Xinghuo Fortress, merit will be rewarded and wrongdoing will be punished! The Merit Order grants you your future, and the Military Regulations govern your conduct! If anyone again harbors侥幸心理 (a sense of侥幸, a belief that one can get away with something) and violates the rules, then Sun Er will be the example today!"

As the sound faded, the arena fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the fluttering of flags in the wind.

Chen Wei turned to Zhao Tiezhu and whispered, "Continue to investigate the stolen cloth covertly. Sun Er's punishment may be related to the arrogance of some soldiers recently, and we need to use this as an opportunity to rectify it."

Zhao Tiezhu looked at the fortress inhabitants and soldiers whose faces were filled with fear and whose eyes were darting away, and nodded emphatically: "I understand."

Chen Wei then looked at Li Shu: "Record today's events in detail, including the violations committed by Sun Er and Zhao Daniu, and the resulting punishments. These will be posted tomorrow along with the merit records!"

"Yes!" Li Shu quickly replied.

As the sun set, it cast long shadows of the execution stakes. The villagers silently dispersed, but the sounds of whipping and the sight of blood were deeply etched into their hearts. Whether they were Wei soldiers or refugees, whether they were honest and law-abiding citizens or those harboring illusions, they all truly understood one thing at that moment:

The rules of Starfire Fortress are ironclad. That young fortress lord and his law enforcement commander will truly use whips and swords to uphold these rules.

A firm hand in enforcing discipline begins with small steps. The first drop of blood has been shed, and the authority of the rules is quietly seeping into every corner of this newly established fortress as dusk falls.