Finest Servant

Chapter 451 The New General

Removed from the tent? Whom was Miss Xu referring to? Lin Wanrong looked around and noticed that everyone's gaze had settled on him. Their eyes held various emotions: some sympathetic, others taking pleasure in his misfortune. A young general in his thirties looked at him, wearing a faint smile but saying nothing.

"Uh, Miss Xu, you're not talking about me, are you?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, acting as though it didn't concern him.

Xu Zhiqing lowered her eyelids, speaking softly, "Commander, everyone in this tent is a trusted leader of our army fighting against the nomads. All are reliable except for this newcomer. He doesn't wear a waist knife, nor does he don armor. He has neither an official role nor a symbolic one in our army. Since we are discussing crucial strategies against the enemy, for the sake of secrecy, it's best to ask irrelevant people to leave."

Miss Xu’s words left Lin Wanrong speechless. At the moment, he was merely in a ceremonial position granted by the court. Although he had some prestige within the army, he had no official title. Saying he was irrelevant was indeed accurate.

General Li Tai laughed heartily, "I understand what Zhi'er means. But how can we ignore a talent like Lin San? I've already petitioned the Emperor to appoint him as the vanguard of the right-wing of our army, commanding infantry, cavalry, and artillery battalions—a total of over sixty thousand men. Does anyone have objections?"

The words of Li Tai caught everyone in the tent by surprise. Lin San had indeed won victories in Shandong, but could his battle against the White Lotus sect be compared to fighting the fierce and cunning nomads? Lin San may have been adept at quelling rebels, but he had no experience in dealing with the nomads. Was it appropriate to grant him the position of the right-wing vanguard so quickly?

"Commander, I think this matter needs further discussion," the young general hesitated before speaking, "Although Lord Lin has a reputation and has distinguished himself in Shandong, the Turks are not the White Lotus sect. Their brutality and cunning are incomparable. The right-wing is the sharp blade of our army; it must be capable of advancing and defending. One has to thoroughly understand the nomads' tactics. In this regard, Lord Lin lacks experience. I suggest appointing him as the deputy adviser general of the right-wing vanguard first. Promotions can come later, based on his battlefield achievements."

The young general had a point. While Lin San's efforts in defeating the White Lotus might seem like great achievements to outsiders, to these border commanders who had long battled against the nomads, it was trivial.

Lin Wanrong felt like spitting blood. Last time in Shandong, Xu Wei had offered him an adviser general role, and now, this gentleman wanted to add 'deputy' to it. 'Adviser without rank produces no sound even when farting,' he thought. Whether he served as the right-wing vanguard mattered little, but they shouldn't think he was here to be a freeloader. Fortunately, he was easygoing by nature, used to people's cold shoulders. He chuckled twice and didn't take it to heart.

Most generals in the tent agreed with the young general’s opinion. Li Tai looked at a red-faced stout man on his left, "Zuo Qiu, you're the commander of the left-wing army. What do you think?"

Zuo Qiu was a burly man in his forties, seasoned and mature. Upon hearing Li Tai call out his name, he firmly clenched his fist in a salute and said, "I've followed the General for many years, and his judgement has never been wrong. Brother Lin must truly possess extraordinary abilities for the General to hold him in such high regard. However, what Brother Zongcai says also has merit. Brother Lin is young and has been appointed as the Commander of the right-wing vanguard. If he doesn't demonstrate some real talent, not only will it make it difficult for the brothers and the General, but Brother Lin himself may also feel uneasy, affecting his ability to lead effectively in battle. In the army, words are of little use; what counts is true ability. I'm a straightforward man from Lu, so pardon my bluntness." He saluted Lin Wanrong with a genuinely cheerful expression.

Zuo Qiu was indeed straightforward, and Lin Wanrong, who was adept at scheming, found this trait likable. He grasped Zuo Qiu's hand and burst into laughter, "What are you talking about, Brother Zuo? There's nothing to forgive. Since I'm standing here, my life is in the hands of everyone present. If straightforward words like yours can choke me up, then I might as well drown myself."

Lin Wanrong was certainly cunning, a man who changed his tune depending on the situation. Xu Zhiqing's beautiful face flushed as she muttered a curse under her breath.

The crowd broke into hearty laughter. Although Lin Wanrong's words were crude, they resonated with the sensibilities of the military leaders. In the oppressive atmosphere of the army, such coarse language acted as a welcome seasoning. Observing that the new General Lin was so congenial, they began to warm to him, feeling a sense of closeness.

Li Tai chuckled and turned to Xu Zhiqing, "Zhi'er, you are the chief strategist for my army of hundreds of thousands. What's your opinion on this new Commander of the right-wing vanguard?"

Miss Xu slightly raised her eyebrows and glanced at Lin Wanrong. "This newcomer indeed lacks experience in fighting against the nomads, but I've heard he's quite clever in small ways. With the army's imminent departure and the vanguard position for the right-wing still unconfirmed, where else can we find such a candidate? We might as well make do with him—"

"General, Miss Xu," General Zongcai interrupted Xu Zhiqing, suddenly straightening his posture and saluting, "I, Zongcai, boldly volunteer to lead the right-wing vanguard army and fight the enemy. I request the General and Miss Xu to grant this."

Xu Zhiqing gave a soft 'Oh' and glanced at Lin San, choosing to remain silent.

So that was it. Lin Wanrong finally understood. This General named Yu Zongcai had grand ambitions and aimed to replace Lin San as the Commander of the right-wing vanguard. Zongcai was young but had a commanding presence; however, Lin Wanrong wondered about his actual abilities. ‘I hope he's not all show and no substance,’ Lin Wanrong thought, smiling wryly. At the moment, while his appointment was under discussion, he felt the most relaxed because his expectations weren't high to begin with.

Li Tai, a lifelong warrior, clearly understood the reluctance people had towards Lin San. Although he could use his authority to force the appointment, that would be unfair to both the men and Lin San.

"Zongcai, you come from a family of generals and currently serve as the Deputy Commander of the right-wing army. You are outstanding both in martial skills and military strategy. I did indeed consider you for the position of the right-wing vanguard," Li Tai nodded and smiled. He then turned to Lin Wanrong, "As for Lin San, he's skilled in leading troops, commands the loyalty of his soldiers, and is extraordinarily cunning. Both of you have your merits, and it puts me in a difficult position."

He pondered for a moment, then smiled at Xu Zhiqing. "In that case, Zhi'er, why don't you come up with a question to test these two? Let everyone here judge who answers best, and let him be the vanguard of the right-wing."

The method seemed fair, a competition based on merit, judged by all. The generals nodded in agreement.

"Perhaps we should skip it," Lin Wanrong humbly chuckled. "Military leadership isn't really my forte, and I've never aspired to be the vanguard of the right-wing. Back when I was in Shandong, I led supply troops. Coming up north this time, give me a few squad leaders, and I would be content."

The crowd burst into laughter. But a few perceptive individuals caught a different undertone. Lin San had fought against the White Lotus Sect using vulnerable, old, and infirm soldiers responsible for guarding supplies, a triumph far from ordinary. What seemed like a casual remark was a wake-up call to the crowd. Zuo Qiu looked at him appreciatively.

"What are you declining for? If you don't have confidence in yourself, how can others entrust their lives to you?" Xu Zhiqing huffed softly, though it was unclear whom the comment was for. Li Tai shot her a tigerish glance, and she lowered her head, her face flushing.

"Zhi'er, have you thought of a way to test them?" Li Tai inquired with a smile.

Miss Xu pondered briefly before slowly nodding. "I wouldn't call it a test. I've had some questions about battlefield exercises these past few days and wish to discuss them with the generals here. Marshal Li, Elder Brother Yu, and all other elders, as well as the new general, please come with me."

"'The new general'?” ‘What kind of title is that?’ Lin Wanrong couldn't help but smile wryly. ‘This Miss Xu is intentionally making things difficult for me.’

Seeing him trailing sullenly behind the crowd, Li Tai lagged a few steps and patted his shoulder. "Lin San, what's going on with Zhi'er? Weren't you two getting along well when you went to Shandong?"

"Old General, be careful with your words. I am a married man," Lin Wanrong said with a sly smile.

Infuriated, Li Tai slapped him on the head. "What nonsense! Whether you're married or not has nothing to do with Zhi'er. Let me remind you, she's my own daughter. If you dare bully her, I'll dismantle you in the military camp."

The old general looked dignified and intimidating, his face etched with the ravages of time, but he radiated an indomitable spirit. Lin Wanrong genuinely respected him. The slaps made him feel oddly close to the man. "Old General, there's something I want to discuss with you about Li Wuling—"

"That young man roped you into speaking for him?" Li Tai chuckled, yet his eyes glimmered with hope and pride.

"Not to speak on his behalf," Lin Wanrong answered seriously. "I'm just wondering, what kind of Li Wuling do we all hope to see—a Duke of Peace, or a legendary general for the ages? Old General, have you ever considered it?"

Li Tai's eyes flickered; the question seemed to pierce his soul. He paused before letting out a bitter laugh. "That boy sure knows how to pick a negotiator. You're truly unparalleled in that aspect. If you can convince Zhi'er, let him go; I can't control him anymore."

Li Tai took a few more steps, then abruptly halted, his expression suddenly turning old and worn. "Lin San, you must train him well—even if he dies in battle, he cannot disgrace the Li family name."

Li Tai's silhouette gradually receded into the distance, leaving Lin Wanrong in a daze. It suddenly dawned on him that he had taken on a hot potato. If nothing went wrong with young Li, it would be fine; but if something did, given Li Tai's generations-long reputation for loyalty and virtue, he, Lin Wanrong, would be universally condemned, his lifetime's reputation ruined in an instant. "Damn it, I've been had by this brat," he cursed under his breath.

Catching up to Xu Zhiqing and the others, he found that the generals had already halted, standing atop a makeshift tower, gazing downward. Far off, plumes of dust rolled in the wind, and the battle between infantry and cavalry was fiercely intense. Leading the cavalry was none other than Xu Zhen, commanding roughly five thousand men. Their horse hooves thundered, and their momentum was immense.

The infantry on defense comprised several units. Although they had initially adopted similarly orderly formations, they were thrown into disarray when Xu Zhen's cavalry charged. Only one unit maintained its formation and engaged Xu Zhen's cavalry in intense combat. Everyone could see clearly that this lone steadfast unit was led by Du Xiuyuan. Both Xu Zhen and Du Xiuyuan were trained by Lin Wanrong, leaving everyone astounded.

"Ladies and gentlemen, observe," sighed Xu Zhiqing. "I've drilled this infantry formation countless times. Every soldier has committed it to heart and trained rigorously. Yet the real-world efficacy leaves much to be desired."

Yu Zongcai scrutinized the scene for a long while before cautiously speaking, "Miss Xu, our brothers are well-versed in these battle formations. Their positioning and steps are impeccable. However, when they try to change formations and move, they seem to lose coordination, giving the enemy cavalry an opportunity."

"You are absolutely correct, Elder Brother Yu," Xu Zhiqing nodded approvingly. Yu Zongcai's face lit up with joy, and he stole a quick glance at Xu Zhiqing before pretending to look away casually.

"And what about you, the new general? What's your opinion?" Xu Zhiqing broke the silence and addressed Lin San in an indifferent tone. Everyone knew that the real test had begun.

Lin Wanrong knew next to nothing about infantry formation changes; he had been watching for quite some time but could only discern one issue. He suddenly chuckled, "Miss Xu, we have a field full of infantry and cavalry. Why are we not practicing siege warfare with ladders?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned, even Li Tai was left speechless. How ignorant could this Lin San be? Fighting against the nomads involved endless plains and deserts; where were the cities to attack? Training infantry and cavalry was specific to combating the Turkic people; what was the point of practicing siege warfare?

Frustrated and annoyed, Xu Zhiqing wished she could kick Lin San off the ramparts. She hesitated, ultimately refraining from doing so.

With Xu Zhiqing glaring at him, Yu Zongcai gleefully said, "General Lin probably has never been to the frontier. Beyond the Great Wall lies an endless expanse of deserts and plains. The Turks are nomadic, born on horseback. Where are the cities for us to attack?"

"So, we're not going to practice siege warfare just because there are no cities to take?" Lin Wanrong laughed. "Miss Xu, don't you think something is missing from your formation?"

Lin Wanrong was generally truthful when it came to serious matters, which made Xu Zhiqing take pause. "What's missing?" she asked.

"You've practiced formations with hundreds and thousands of men, but you're missing something crucial—coordination and trust," Lin Wanrong said with a slight smile. "General Li, please summon Du Xiuyuan and bring twenty more men."

"Coordination and trust?" The words were simple enough, and the generals pondered. Lin Wanrong's earlier mention of siege practice suddenly seemed to make sense.

"Reporting to the General, reporting to Lin Wanrong," Du Xiuyuan arrived, his face covered in dust but his expression thrilled. A dozen men, all veterans from Shandong under Lin Wanrong, trailed behind him.

"Old Du, have you guys been practicing the team-building training I taught you?" Lin Wanrong inquired with a smile.

"Of course," Du Xiuyuan hurriedly nodded, "the brothers love your team-building exercises the most during practice."

"Good," Lin Wanrong grinned. "Then set up a cloud ladder and let our brothers see."

Cloud ladder? Team-building? Everyone was confused. Du Xiuyuan had come empty-handed; where would a cloud ladder come from?

"At once!" Du Xiuyuan promptly commanded. "Set up the ladder!"

Quicker than words, a dozen men ran to the base of the tower. Two men formed each unit, hands clasped together as they crouched. Another sprinted and stepped onto their wrists. Two units closed in, one on top of the other, creating a human pyramid. At a fierce shout, the men raised their arms, and the man at the apex seemed to soar, almost reaching the makeshift wall.

So this was the cloud ladder. Astonishment filled the faces of the generals. Such coordination, like building a tower where each man willingly became a brick, would surely lead to success in formation exercises.

Xu Zhiqing glanced at Lin Wanrong, who remained impassive, neither speaking nor smiling, as if this were a common occurrence.

Du Xiuyuan nodded, then shouted, "Prepare to fall!"

An astonishing sight unfolded. The soldier at the top of the pyramid fell backward without hesitation, soaring through the air. Before anyone could shout in alarm, eight men from the rear rushed up and extended their arms to form a bridge, catching their plummeting comrade. The next layer followed suit, and they rotated, each trusting their lives to their companions.

"Excellent team-building, excellent cloud ladder!" The generals were speechless. To place one's life in the hands of a comrade was the highest level of trust. How Lin Wanrong had conceived such an idea was beyond them, but it was brilliant.

"Brother Lin, that was impressive!" Zuo Qiu slapped Lin Wanrong's shoulder, his eyes filled with admiration.

"It's nothing, just a little trick," Lin Wanrong chuckled. His serious demeanor from moments ago vanished in the blink of an eye.

"Always the show-off," Miss Xu huffed, turning her head away. Her pretty face flushed, her eyelids drooping, and her eyes emanating an inexplicable warmth.

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