The expeditionary force has returned. This was an extremely rushed expedition, with the main force being the Keyan Division, which had just entered the region of the Snow Sea Pass and hadn't had a chance to integrate.
But the rush was mutual.
As the saying goes: When things are difficult for you, they are difficult for everyone, but I am not afraid; when things are easy for you, they are easy for everyone, but I won't be careless.
Under equal preconditions, whether as attackers or defenders, everyone was rather hasty. However, on the side of the Snow Sea Pass, there was an arrangement even in hastiness, while on the side of the Naman Tribe, there were many errors.
Facing such an opponent, failing to achieve a fast pace and an exaggerated kill ratio would be indefensible.
On the city gate of the northern city at the Snow Sea Pass, weapons bristled. Since the army set out, the defense of the northern city gate became a priority.
Blindman always acted steadily. Though he didn't think there would be any big issues with this expedition, given the previous lesson of the Cheng State army being pushed back in a single wave and losing the Snow Sea Pass, it was natural to be more cautious on his side.
Luckily, news of the great victory at the front line had already been relayed back, bringing much jubilation both inside and outside the Snow Sea Pass.
Blindman sat on a chair on the city tower, with a side table to his left, on which lay two oranges and a cup of tea.
Siniang sat on a chair beside him, legs crossed, weaving clothing.
"Have the rewards been distributed?" Blindman asked.
"Instructions were given last night. They should be distributed by this morning."
Most industries within the Snow Sea Pass were controlled by the Earl's Mansion. Just as the news of the great victory came, benefits and discount promotions, mostly on daily necessities like grain and oil, also began, providing real benefits.
After a great victory, it's natural to celebrate with the people, letting the military and civilians experience the dividends of war personally.
Only in this way can they consciously support future wars.
Though the banner of national righteousness is indeed useful, under the multicultural state at the Snow Sea Pass, this trick wouldn't work.
In Blindman's view, even if something like a "knightly order" were formed, it wouldn't be bad.
When Liu Bei was in Shu Han, his regime was actually in the style of a knightly order.
Adapt to local conditions. In the current situation, uniting the military and civilians as much as possible for external expansion is the main theme.
Siniang put down her work and asked:
"Is the welcome for the returning army prepared well?"
"Everything's ready, and it will be quite lively."
"Hmm, after this battle, we'll be much more affluent, and A Ming won't need to run around wildly. He can first reestablish the workshop system. After this winter, everything should be back on track."
You never know the cost of firewood and rice until you're a householder, especially with such a large enterprise.
Lord Zheng always had the habit of being a hands-off manager. Luckily, the demons under him could hold things together.
"Recently, many refugees have been arriving daily, so we need to organize and receive them well," Blindman reminded.
Once stability was achieved at the Snow Sea Pass, the local residents who had fled into the mountains began to emerge slowly. At the same time, some refugees from farther away, hearing there was food here, also started to migrate here.
This was also thanks to the excellent promotional work done along the migration route, portraying the Snow Sea Pass as a paradise, making it irresistible to those displaced by war.
"I know," Siniang nodded, "After all, it's a time when manpower is needed everywhere. No matter how many come, we take them all."
Moreover, those who managed to flee and persist were rarely the old, weak, sick, and disabled, as they simply couldn't make it here. Even if there were any, they must have been accompanied by young and strong companions.
"The restructuring of the military forces should also be put on the agenda."
"Let's wait for my lord to return and discuss it with him. It's not appropriate for us to make this decision on our own."
"Before my lord set out, he had already discussed this with me, and the basic plan is actually already set. In the future, the military forces of the Snow Sea Pass will likely be divided into four towns, each with multiple camps. These four towns will be: Yanzi Town, Barbarian Town, Jin Town, and, if we successfully strike the snowfield, perhaps the future Yezi Town."
Hearing this, Siniang picked up the teacup, took a sip, and smiled:
"Is it modeled after the Eight Banners?"
In the Eight Banners system, there were the Manchu Eight Banners, Han Eight Banners, and Mongol Eight Banners.
"That's roughly the idea. The troops under us are indeed quite mixed in composition. Rather than forcibly mixing them together without distinction, it's better to first differentiate them institutionally and polish them at the leadership level.
Of course, the four towns can't simply be named like that. Names like Huwei, Enemy Breaker, and Ten Thousand Victories can be added. First, confirm this basic framework and then carry out a new round of integration as needed."
Blindman rubbed his forehead and continued:
"Actually, we are still crossing the river by feeling the stones, taking one step at a time, and making changes step by step."
"Yes."
"However, the urgent task at hand is to improve the realm. Siniang, have you thought it over?"
Siniang put down the teacup and remained silent.
"Honestly, I haven't thought it through either," Blindman said.
Siniang spoke, "I've thought it over."
"Oh?"
Siniang stretched lazily, her graceful figure and sultry demeanor revealing themselves,
"After all, having shared a bed, there's nothing we can't talk about. Whether he's destined to have me, I don't know, but it's clear that I must have him in my life."
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