Chapter 15: Driving Back the Xiongnu, Pre-battle Mobilization

Chapter 15: Repelling the Xiongnu to the North, Pre-Battle Mobilization

Jiuyuan Commandery, Main Camp

A group of soldiers waited outside the camp gates for the arrival of a special convoy, accompanied as always by the Immortal Master, Marquis Jingyang. Emperor Qin Shi was extremely reluctant to let the Immortal Master take such risks, for the influence he wielded was irreplaceable by anyone else.

However, after persistent persuasion and assurances from Zimo, Ying Zheng finally consented. To ensure the Immortal Master’s safety, he specially dispatched the elite Iron Eagle Battalion—five hundred of the finest warriors from the Qin sharp troops. With only two thousand men in the entire sharp troops battalion, allocating five hundred to protect the Immortal Master clearly showed the Emperor’s care for Zimo.

The magnificent procession soon came into view of the assembled soldiers and quickly reached the camp gates.

“Your servant pays respects to the Immortal Master!” The generals in the main camp, led by Meng Tian, saluted in unison.

“Generals, Marquis Jingyang greets you!” Zimo returned the salute.

“Immortal Master, please come inside!”

“General Meng, right this way!”

Main Camp, Council Hall

Everyone took their seats, and Meng Tian wasted no time in asking, “Immortal Master, may I ask if His Majesty has any orders for your visit?”

“General Meng, I come of my own accord. His Majesty gave no explicit command but entrusted me to share any valuable ideas with you. So, you need not concern yourself with me; just proceed according to the military regulations,” Zimo replied, shifting his seat.

“May I ask, Immortal Master, did you bring anything noteworthy this time?” Meng Tian smiled upon noticing Zimo’s movement. They were old acquaintances, after all. The covered carts in the convoy bore heavy loads, leaving deep ruts in the ground, and the accompanying soldiers were all towering figures over six feet tall with sturdy builds. It was hard not to wonder what such a burden could be and the purpose of those imposing guards.

“Old Meng, it’s a secret for now. You’ll understand later. You should begin your deployment!”

“Orders! Assemble troops at the parade ground!” Meng Tian stood and commanded.

“Yes, sir!”

The order quickly spread throughout the camps. As the drumbeat echoed—thump, thump, thump—the entire camp came alive with fervor.

Groups of soldiers clad in iron armor emerged from all directions, brandishing gleaming blades, exuding a chilling aura. Under the guidance of squad and platoon leaders, they rapidly formed into neat ranks.

Countless squads merged into companies, companies into regiments, stepping in disciplined cadence as they silently gathered at the parade ground.

Soldiers of all sorts, even those of dubious character, hurried toward the parade ground under their commanders’ orders. Though usually lazy and undisciplined, they all remembered the strict military decree: those late to assembly would be executed. This was hard-earned wisdom from their predecessors, learned through blood and sacrifice.

Meng Tian glanced at the timekeeper: “Not bad. Less than half a quarter of an hour. If not for waiting on the unruly ones, it would have been even quicker.”

Once all were assembled, each unit stood silently below the reviewing stand, forming clear, orderly square formations. Hundreds of such squares densely packed the area beneath the stand.

Time seemed to halt; only the wind rustling the flags broke the silence. Even the usually unruly and wild soldiers stood like well-behaved children, afraid to utter a sound.

Though these unruly troops lived near the Zhuque army, this was their first time entering the main camp. They stared at the helmeted soldiers—soldiers whose faces were hidden like statues—and dared not breathe loudly for fear of breaking military law and being torn apart by blades.

At this moment, the Zhuque Camp had gathered all forces for the campaign against the Xiongnu. Including the Zhuque army, there were about four hundred thousand troops, and with accompanying merchant caravans, the total number reached seven hundred thousand. Calling it a "million-strong" army was no exaggeration.

Standing atop the reviewing stand, Meng Tian drew his sword and proclaimed loudly:

“Sons of Huaxia, descendants of Yan and Huang! From the ancient sages—the Three Sovereigns who brought order, and the Five Emperors who established rulership—to our great Qin, which swept away the Six States and unified the realm.

Stars shift and time flows; yet foreign tribes repeatedly raid our northern borders, harming our Qin people. How can we not be enraged? This campaign to repel the Xiongnu will show these pests the sharp edge of Qin’s blade and the might of our swords!

Follow me, your general, as we cross the Great Wall and eradicate the Xiongnu!

To all Qin soldiers:

Disobeying orders will be punished by death!

Cowards who refuse to advance will be executed!

Those who commit rape or plunder will be slain!

Those who hide seized goods will be cut down!

Furthermore, by imperial decree, during this campaign, those armored and bearing arms shall be executed without mercy! Men will be sent back to labor in Qin, while women will be distributed among the soldiers. Thirty percent of the spoils will be used to reward the army, and those who achieve great merit will receive additional honors!”

“Wang Li, Bai Lie, Li Xin, Zhongli Mei—where are you?”

“We are here, your servant!” The four immediately stepped forward. Zhongli Mei was among the virtuous generals recorded by Marquis Jingyang in his list of worthy ministers and generals he had presented to Emperor Qin Shi. Unfortunately, many listed had yet to be found.

In the early Han, the Three Heroes—Xiao He, Han Xin—had already come to Qin. Zhang Liang, who had conspired to assassinate at Bolangsha, was captured after Zimo warned Emperor Qin Shi in advance. He refused to repent and was swiftly quartered. His tall accomplice had, under Zimo’s persuasion, already come with him to Jiuyuan Commandery, Xuanwu Camp. Thirty-seven others had gradually pledged allegiance to Qin.

“You four shall each lead twelve thousand cavalry, divided into four routes to sweep the Xiongnu tribes. Support one another and do not seek glory recklessly. Avoid engaging the main Xiongnu forces. This operation focuses on raiding cattle, sheep, and horses. Depart immediately! I will lead the main army in pursuit!”

“Yes, sir!”

The four, upon receiving their orders, promptly gathered their twelve thousand riders each, carrying seven days’ rations, and galloped in four directions deep into the grasslands. Their steeds’ hooves tore the plains, forming four black torrents.

After sending the four commanders off, Meng Tian continued issuing orders:

“Zhang Han, Kun Shan!”

“At your command!”

“You two will lead your troops with freedom of movement. My sole order is to terrify the Xiongnu!” Meng Tian gave them a secretive glance.

“Yes, sir!”

“Sima Xin, Ren Xiao!”

“At your service!”

“Each will lead thirty thousand infantry and six thousand archers and crossbowmen, forming the vanguard, rearguard, and protecting the main army.”

“Wang Ben will remain in command of the Zhuque Camp, enforcing martial law at the passes. In battle, no one may leave without permission!”

“I will lead the remaining cavalry and infantry archers, stationed at the central standard. I expect each unit to fulfill its duty without fail!”

“Transmit my orders: the entire army will advance!”

With the commands given, each unit, led by their generals, formed long lines like black dragons steadily advancing across the grasslands.

This grand scene was faithfully recorded by reporters from the Qin Daily. Soon, the accounts would be sent back to Qin and published for the people, as this was indeed a matter of national significance.

Meanwhile, the merchant caravans accompanying the army hurried to pack their belongings under their overseers’ shouts. They climbed aboard their carts, hauling supplies toward the temporary trading grounds outside Jiuyuan Commandery city. If they delayed, the best locations would be taken, resulting in great loss.

(End of Chapter)