CHAPTER 456: CHAPTER 456: TRAINING THE TROOPS (PART 1)

The decision for Yu Chong to go to the Personal Guard Camp was finalized just like that.

However, there was a fierce dispute over who should stay at the Nanyang Army Camp and who should follow to the Personal Guard Camp: "I’ll follow General Yu to the Personal Guard Camp."

"I’ve read military books and know how to train soldiers, so of course, I should go."

"Pfft, you have the nerve to say that. You only recognize a few big characters, it’s a shame you inherited those military books from your ancestors; if it were any other book, you wouldn’t understand it."

"So what? I’m still better than you! Anyway, I’m going!"

The military generals argued heatedly. In the Nanyang Army Camp, they trained relentlessly day in and day out. Though they grew strong and muscular, actual opportunities to showcase their military prowess were few and far between. The last time they left the camp was two years ago when they followed Yu Chong to send grain to Yan County. Nearly two years have passed, and everyone is bored to the point of going moldy.

Now, the chance to visit the Personal Guard Camp, meet the Commandery Princess, and spar with the experts there, not to mention learning their training methods — who wouldn’t be tempted?

Even Li Tie couldn’t resist and volunteered eagerly: "I, too, will follow General Yu to the Personal Guard Camp. The elite forces of the Personal Guard Camp are unparalleled, and I’ve long wanted to witness it for myself."

Seeing the enthusiasm of the crowd, Yu Chong was quite satisfied: "I understand your eagerness. However, someone must stay and hold down the fort in the camp. Li Tie, I trust no one else but you, so you stay here!"

Li Tie had no choice but to agree.

Yu Chong scanned the crowd, naming eight officers to accompany him while the rest stayed behind.

In previous years, the army camp was divided into factions, but over the years, even Li Tie became Yu Chong’s top confidant, and the other generals had long since pledged their allegiance.

Everyone serves the Commandery Princess; there’s only one faction, the Commandery Princess’s faction, so what’s there to fight over?

Two days later, Yu Chong led eight officers and two hundred soldiers, galloping swiftly to reach the Personal Guard Camp in less than three days.

Ten miles out, there were already outposts of the Personal Guard Camp. Within five miles, the outposts grew denser. Not even a stranger fly could make it inside.

Yu Chong observed closely, thinking to strengthen the outposts at the Nanyang Army Camp upon his return.

"The Commandery Princess herself has come to welcome us," an excited voice sounded in his ear.

Yu Chong quickly snapped back to attention, his gaze sweeping over and feeling a rush of excitement. Outside the Personal Guard Camp, a group had come to greet them. Leading them was a young woman in martial attire, graceful and radiant, none other than their revered Nanyang County Princess Jiang Shaohua.

Yu Chong immediately dismounted and led the officers forward: "I have come at your command, and to have the Commandery Princess personally welcome me is truly overwhelming."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "Rise quickly. General Yu, this is your first time here at the Personal Guard Camp. Stay for a while and get to know everyone."

Yu Chong readily agreed with a smile, then warmly greeted Song Yuan, Qin Zhan, and others.

There’s no need to mention Song Yuan; he is the Commander of the Princess’s Personal Guard and an old acquaintance of Yu Chong. Qin Zhan Meng Dashan and Liu Hengchang have all led troops with the Commandery Princess on patrol over the years and are familiar with Yu Chong. Yu Chong had always aimed to hone an elite force in his camp to rival the Personal Guard Camp.

The combat effectiveness of the Nanyang Army is indeed formidable now. However, the Personal Guard Camp has better weapons, equipment, horses, and more diligent training, with continuous real battle experience escorting grain to the North. Their combat strength far surpasses the Nanyang Army.

Everyone followed Jiang Shaohua into the command tent.

Without a wasted word, Jiang Shaohua got straight to the point: "The Personal Guard Camp is researching how to train troops to break the Rouran Cavalry. I have summoned you here to learn our methods of training soldiers. In the future, the Nanyang Army must also train in new formations."

Yu Chong had an idea of this from the letter. Hearing the Commandery Princess instruct him personally, he stood solemnly and said, "I will sincerely seek guidance from the Commanders."

Qin Zhan said courteously, "Oh, no, no, we should learn from General Yu instead."

As the main general of the Nanyang Army, Yu Chong was indeed capable, proficient in both civil and military arts, writing memorials and defeating enemies alike.

Jiang Shaohua held Yu Chong in high regard and trust, not keeping even training matters from him. She had invited him to join in the study of training tactics. Naturally, the Commanders of the Personal Guard Camp were gracious and friendly, refraining from provocative rivalry at this moment.

As for whether they would spar in the future or engage in a training showdown... that was certainly inevitable.

There’s no first place in literature, and no second in martial arts!

A appropriate amount of healthy competition is a good thing. Jiang Shaohua noticed the eager anticipation in the eyes of the generals and smiled slightly, saying, "General Yu, please settle in for a rest first, and head to the Martial Arts Training Ground tomorrow."

Yu Chong immediately replied, "I’m not tired, no need to rest, I can go to the Martial Arts Training Ground now."

The officers behind him all straightened their chests, indicating that the horseback journey was a minor matter and they were not tired.

Jiang Shaohua chuckled, "Very well, let’s go take a look now."

...

In recent days, more slaves were sent over from the stables.

These slaves were from foreign tribes like Gao Kegu Moxi; they were once cavalrymen, defeated in battle and made war slaves, purchased by the Ma Family to be horse slaves. Though their combat skills weren’t formidable, making them perfect for training cavalry as riding and charging were already in their blood.

Over twenty horse slaves, each riding a warhorse, wielded wooden weapons and charged like the wind with great momentum. After the first charge, in just a few breaths, the horse slaves regrouped and charged again.

Yu Chong watched, transfixed, his eyes unblinking as he focused on the scene at the Martial Arts Training Ground.

After one incense stick’s worth of time, this round of training ended.

The horse slaves voluntarily retreated to a side, drinking water and eating jerky to rest.

Meanwhile, the young guards gathered in groups of three to five, discussing something with their heads together. Some spoke with such excitement, waving their arms, and their voices grew louder with each word: "Facing a frontal charge, don’t be afraid! Why did you dodge earlier?"

"I didn’t dodge, just my legs went a bit soft, and my horse’s speed slowed slightly."

"Just that bit of hesitation slowed us all down. We lost so quickly; it’s all your fault."

The young guard being criticized hung his head in shame. The others grumbled a bit but soon engaged in self-reflection or discussed gains and losses.

"These are the guards from the Third Camp," Jiang Shaohua explained with a smile to Yu Chong, "The First and Second Camps haven’t had their turn yet. You’ll stay at the Third Camp for these days and keep learning from Commander Liu."

Liu Hengchang, proficient in both civil and martial arts and skilled in training soldiers, is considered Jiang Shaohua’s foremost general. In terms of individual prowess, at least seven or eight officers present could defeat Liu Hengchang. But in terms of training and managing the camp, he is unmatched.

Yu Chong, having experienced Liu Hengchang’s abilities before, held deep respect for him and accepted the order with a smile.