Chapter 43

The soldiers led by Chang-ran all wore cloth on their shoulders, called Jin Sa (錦蓑衣). The length varied by rank: ordinary soldiers had it up to the shoulder blades, intermediate commanders up to the waist, and higher officers up to the hips. Subordinate officers could freely adjust the length.

Except for officers receiving stipends, the material of the Jin Sa was not silk but ordinary cotton, with a blue silk patch shaped like a phoenix, called Lanling (鸞綾).

The phoenix-shaped silk, derived from Chang-ran’s name, was a great source of pride for her soldiers. Even in urgent situations where they couldn’t retrieve bodies, they made sure to collect their comrades’ Lanling, returning them to families as an unwritten rule of the army.

Due to their attire and customs, the public referred to Chang-ran’s army as the Lanling Army (鸞綾軍) and Chang-ran as the Lanling Princess (鸞綾姬), holding them in awe.

《Chronicles of Chang-ran 中》

§

The return journey from Chengdu was bustling with people and horses, unlike the quiet trip to the capital.

Even after the vanguard left with the bestowed gifts, the group was still large.

In the absence of Ma Dai and Ma Chong, newly appointed officers Zhang E and Wang Sha joined, along with Wang Sha’s friends who enlisted to follow him.

Though not numerous, it was impressive that friends willingly followed from bustling Chengdu to the remote and rugged Tanggeohyun.

Arriving in Tanggeohyun, I encountered a curious sight.

“That is…”

The soldiers standing in formation had cloaks tied on their shoulders, similar to mine.

Unlike 21st-century dramas, generals and soldiers of this era didn’t wear cloaks. The term “cloak” itself is French, so I had to coin the term Jin Sa (錦蓑衣) for my cloak.

The cloaks worn by soldiers, intermediate commanders, and higher officers varied in length and material but were similar in shape to mine.

Ma Chong, who came to greet me, noticed my gaze and explained with a smile.

“Ah, remember the silk we received last time? Usually, it’s sold to support families, but someone decided to wear it like a general. Others followed suit, and it became a trend.”

Silk was highly valuable, especially Yi Province’s silk, known as Shu Jin, a premium product. Wearing it as cloaks would make my unit look like golden goblins.

Upon closer inspection, they used ordinary cloth for cloaks, likely for comfort during night watches. A blue phoenix pattern on the back caught my eye.

“What’s that phoenix pattern?”

“They made a phoenix pattern inspired by your name. They used the bestowed silk to create it, with approval from Xiao Xing.”

Ma Chong explained that Wang Ping opposed it, but the soldiers were adamant. It was already settled, so I didn’t intervene.

“Alright. But silk is precious, so ensure no mishaps.”

“Haha, the soldiers treat it like their own, so no worries.”

Ma Chong was optimistic. Theft was strictly forbidden, punishable by death, so no need for stricter measures.

With the arrival at Tanggeohyun, I focused on reorganizing the military. The first step was establishing specialized units.

The existing army had some differentiation, mainly cavalry, infantry, and logistics. Other tasks were handled by drafting personnel as needed.

I formalized these tasks into specialized units: Engineering Corps, Medical Unit, and Messenger Unit.

Though the medical system was rudimentary, managing hygiene and transporting the wounded would still be effective.

Famous stories like Nightingale’s hygiene management reducing mortality rates inspired me. While not to that extent, it would still help reduce casualties and prevent diseases.

However, rumors spread: “The general, being a woman, must like cleanliness.”

“Well, doesn’t everyone prefer cleanliness?”

But history shows that’s not always the case, even in the 21st century.

“One such place is here.”

Still, the soldiers followed my orders obediently.

Men, especially ancient soldiers without proper education, act more on instinct than reason.

Attracted to pretty women and following the strong—I fit both criteria. Being just a pretty woman might have led to disrespect, but my martial prowess ensured discipline.

Even potential troublemakers straightened up after a lesson from me.

Messengers were mostly young recruits. With stirrups introduced, riding wasn’t an issue.

Riding training was necessary, but training messengers to ride was quick.

Specialization of units led by officers also progressed.

Previously, Ma Dai alone managed the cavalry. With more horses and stirrups, the cavalry was divided into two brigades.

Ma Dai’s cavalry became light cavalry, excelling in riding skills, while Gu Bu’s new cavalry became heavy cavalry with armor.

Infantry was naturally led by Yu En, Wang Ping, and Zhang E.

Yu En’s unit specialized in breakthrough and attack, prioritizing physically strong individuals, akin to grenadiers.

Wang Ping’s unit focused on defense, acting as the anvil to Yu En’s hammer.

Zhang E’s unit was special troops, highly mobile and skilled in mountain marches, linking Wang Ping’s defense and Yu En’s offense.

Finally, my personal guard. In battle, I had to be at the front, not the rear. A general of my caliber staying back would be a great loss.

My guard, though only a hundred strong, were elite in both mounted and ground combat, tasked with the most dangerous and crucial missions.

This unit organization was inspired by Napoleon’s Grande Armée.

With a division-sized force, the three brigades and two cavalry regiments were led by potential corps commanders, making them formidable.

Ma Chong and Wang Sha, as行军司马, assisted in this reorganization. Their administrative skills ensured smooth and rapid changes.

After military adjustments, rigorous training began. Soldiers transformed into talents suited for their units, while commanders focused on self-improvement.

Wang Ping studied literature, Gu Bu honed riding skills, and Wang Sha deepened his understanding of military affairs. I emphasized one thing:

“Martial arts are the last means to protect oneself. Neglecting them is unacceptable.”

Under this logic, officers trained with me during soldiers’ rest times.

Yu En, the most skilled, participated eagerly, as did Wang Sha and Ma Chong, though less skilled.

The hierarchy in martial prowess was clear, but mounted combat changed the dynamics.

With stirrups, Ma Dai’s riding skills were unmatched, a natural advantage for Yi Province natives.

As soldiers and officers trained diligently, the days flew by, and soon, the year 23 of Jian’an arrived.

§

That day, I was sparring with officers.

“As expected of the general. We’ve improved, but we’re still no match for you.”

“Hmph, is that so?”

At eighteen, my height nearing 170cm and my trained physique made me a formidable force, rivaling even Zhang Fei.

Recently, even Wang Ping and Gu Bu together weren’t much of a threat.

Though not as invincible as Lü Bu, matching Yuchi Gong was no small feat.

Yu En, Gu Bu, and Wang Ping, all skilled generals, couldn’t match me one-on-one.

Feeling my growth, I reached out to Yu En, who had fallen.

Yu En’s calloused hands showed his effort, as did mine. Even the mountain spirit’s blessing didn’t prevent calluses.

I preferred it this way—hands bearing the marks of effort were truly beautiful.

Yu En picked up his practice sword, sheathing it carefully, reflecting his meticulous nature.

“You’ve gotten used to the mask. At first, it distracted you slightly.”

I started wearing a mask around this time, as my striking appearance drew too much attention.

In my late teens, my beauty often left people speechless.

Wearing a mask to hide my face, I felt like the Lanling King. My army being called the Lanling Army seemed almost intentional.

‘Lanling (蘭陵) and Lanling (鸞綾)—different characters.’

As I mused, a figure burst into the training ground.

“Urgent news!”

It was Ma Chong, breathless and excited.

Only one thing could make the usually calm Ma Chong this agitated.

‘It’s about time.’

Sure enough.

“General! The lord has issued a summons!”

Finally.

Liu Bei and Cao Cao.

The moment for the two great heroes to clash had arrived.