CHAPTER 455: CHAPTER 455: TAMING (PART 2)

The seven Rouran horse slaves, each with some physical impairments, were excellent horse riders. Once on the warhorse, they were like fish entering water or birds entering the forest. The weapons in their hands were all made of wood.

On the side of the Personal Guard Camp, seven people were also deployed. Similarly, they held wooden weapons and rode warhorses, maneuvering against the seven Rouran horse slaves.

Liu Hengchang, Qin Zhan, and Meng Dashan watched the battle from the side, each frowning slightly. Song Yuan was also present, his expression not very pleasant either.

Jiang Shaohua glanced over, immediately understanding what was happening.

The seven Rouran horse slaves, who could not be considered robust and had their own impairments, quickly adapted to the warhorses beneath them. They charged back and forth continuously, their wooden spears or wooden knives raised high. The Personal Guard on their side were the most elite and valiant, yet under the opponents’ swift charges, they quickly faltered and retreated.

"Commandery Princess, the Rouran cavalry is indeed formidable." Song Yuan whispered to Jiang Shaohua, "I have observed for a few days and have noticed some techniques. These horse slaves grew up on horseback, and riding is as natural as running on their own legs. Although our Personal Guard Camp has been diligently practicing riding skills, there is still a gap."

"Only seven men, and such a noticeable difference is already apparent." Qin Zhan rarely sighed, "If thousands were to charge at us with such momentum, we would indeed struggle to resist."

Meng Dashan’s expression was grave, and he whispered, "Their horse control skills are impressive, and their hand skills aren’t weak either. Look at the one-eyed man; he wields his wooden knife with precision. If it were replaced with bow and arrows, they’d be even more formidable."

Only Liu Hengchang remained silent all along.

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Liu Hengchang, "Commander Liu, you’ve watched for a few days. What are your thoughts?"

Liu Hengchang gathered his thoughts and replied in a low voice, "There are dozens of nomadic people outside the border. The Rouran Cavalry can dominate the grasslands; naturally, they have extraordinary skills. They are born on horseback and learn to ride and shoot before they learn to walk. Their horseback skills are exceptional. All of this was within my expectations."

"Cavalry charges are swift like the wind. If they can’t break through the enemy’s formation, they will immediately organize the cavalry into a formation and charge again. To face them, one must withstand the initial charge and wear down their aggressiveness."

"However, they have weaknesses too. I have been contemplating. We can use iron thorns to form a barricade, train spearmen formations, and also train a unit of soldiers with sabers specifically to cut down horses’ legs when dealing with cavalry."

Jiang Shaohua’s spirits lifted upon hearing this, "Commander Liu, please elaborate."

Liu Hengchang laughed, "I’ve only thought of the general idea. I haven’t figured out the specifics of how to train the troops. Please be patient for a few days, Commandery Princess, and I’ll write a detailed proposal for you. Whether it can be achieved will depend on future training circumstances."

This is also Liu Hengchang’s way of doing things. He never speaks carelessly about things he’s unsure of. Even when he’s confident, he is extra cautious when he speaks.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes flashed with appreciation, her tone full of praise, "Good, I shall await your training proposal, Commander Liu."

Turning her head, she said to Qin Zhan and Meng Dashan, "Commander Qin, Commander Meng, for the training of troops, follow Commander Liu’s lead."

Qin Zhan readily agreed, "Of course. However Commander Liu trains his troops, our camp will follow."

"Our second camp has the most Divine Archers." Meng Dashan chimed in with a smile, "Earlier, Commander Liu mentioned training spearmen and saber soldiers. I was thinking, perhaps the second camp can capitalize on its strength and train a unit of archers. Otherwise, when facing cavalry, if they shoot a wave of arrows at us, we should at least have the ability to retaliate."

Liu Hengchang’s eyes lit up, "Commander Meng is absolutely right."

Qin Zhan immediately started pondering, "Our first camp has the most valiant and strong soldiers. We could train a unit of spearmen."

Spearmen refer to those who prepare several sharp spears carried on their backs to throw together during battle. Compared to bows and arrows, spears have a stronger attack power and cause more damage, though they require more effort.

Song Yuan, intrigued by the discussion, couldn’t help but join in, "Commander Liu mentioned iron thorns, which are excellent for defending cities. To use them in battle, one must carefully observe the terrain and pre-set the battlefield. The iron thorns can be threaded through with ropes, thrown to injure the enemy’s horses, and still be retrievable."

Everyone became increasingly enthusiastic as they spoke.

Jiang Shaohua nodded repeatedly, "All matters concerning troop training are entrusted to you. List all the weapons and equipment needed. When the time comes, I will personally arrange everything."

Training soldiers has always been a costly affair. As for the few types of troops mentioned earlier, while the people are ready, the weapons consumed need to be specially crafted and prepared.

Song Yuan thought for a moment and softly suggested, "Commandery Princess, perhaps we should inform the Nanyang Army about the training so they can join in as well?"

The Personal Guard Camp differs from the Nanyang Army. One is the direct line of the Prince Mansion, with no financial limit on expenses, while the other is nominally the court’s garrison, annually receiving some symbolic military pay... Of course, in recent years, with the National Treasury depleted and the court struggling, the Nanyang Army hasn’t seen any military pay from the court for a long time and is maintained by the Nanyang Prince Mansion.

This is also the tacit understanding between Jiang Shaohua and her cousin, Emperor Taihe. Since the Nanyang Army has been given to the Nanyang Prince Mansion, it naturally must be supported by it.

After some contemplation, Jiang Shaohua decided, "I will write a letter to Yu Chong now, summoning him to the Personal Guard Camp."

...

Currently, with the swift transmission of messages by the eagle in Nanyang County, within less than half a day, the Commandery Princess’s letter reached Yu Chong’s hands.

Yu Chong immediately summoned his trusted aides to share the content of the letter, "... The Commandery Princess summoned me to discuss troop training. I will need to stay at the Personal Guard Camp for a month or two before returning."

"Li Tie, matters in the military camp will be entrusted to you. Daily training cannot be stopped. Soldiers are raised for a thousand days to be used in one moment. The Commandery Princess has been providing us with ample military pay, and perhaps we will soon be called upon."

Yu Chong, having risen to the position of main general of the Nanyang Army, naturally had his strengths. This perspective alone surpassed ordinary leaders.

The Commandery Princess’s Personal Guard Camp had been expanding, the military strength growing increasingly formidable. The Nanyang Army, ostensibly a garrison of the court, couldn’t expand at will, but horses and weapons were constantly updated, and training had never ceased. The combat strength had increased two or threefold at least.

The military strength of Nanyang County could already influence the Northern situation. The Commandery Princess remained unsatisfied, still aiming to train troops. What exactly was her intention?

Li Tie had a sudden thought, glancing at Yu Chong and speaking softly, "Could it be that the Commandery Princess has intentions to attack Rouran and reclaim Peng City?"

"I don’t know what the Commandery Princess intends to do," Yu Chong responded indifferently, "I only know that with one order from her, I, Yu Chong, will lead the Nanyang Army into battle."

The other leaders all agreed, "That’s right. Whoever the Commandery Princess commands us to fight, we will fight."

"Wait a minute, does the Commandery Princess intend to attack the Capital City... uh, I’m just saying, why are you all glaring at me?"