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Fei Qian ultimately convinced Huang Cheng, Ma Yan, and Du Yuan. While directly issuing orders would have been possible, doing so would have reduced flexibility during execution.
In later eras, there's a saying: "To get performance, hold a meeting first." This isn't entirely a joke; it reflects a certain operational need within companies.
Fei Qian himself had imagined, like in the novels, carrying a dozen silk pouches, beckoning a general over, giving some instructions, then finding a pouch with the general's number, handing it over, and saying, "Open this in a crisis…"
Such a style would score at least ninety out of a hundred for impressiveness, but is it truly good?
Fei Qian wasn't sure, but at least he himself wasn't accustomed to that. He preferred using methods from later eras, managing this team according to his own habits.
Holding a meeting is discussing matters, ensuring everyone knows the next phase's objective. As for confidentiality, with just these few people and this small operation, no matter how good the secrecy, what use is it?
However, some things don't need secrecy, while others do.
For instance, Huang Cheng, now standing before Fei Qian, was covered in sweat from head to toe, as if just fished out of water. His clothes were completely soaked, his breathing still uneven, clearly exhausted, yet his expression was extremely excited, as if he had just obtained some treasure. Grinning from ear to ear, he looked so happy he might jump.
"How does it feel?" Seeing Huang Cheng's expression, Fei Qian knew the results were good, but he still asked.
Huang Cheng panted heavily, trying to steady his breathing, and nodded repeatedly. "It's truly… amazing, wonderful… that…" Huang Cheng momentarily couldn't find suitable words to describe it.
Fei Qian smiled, fetched a water jar from the side, and handed it to Huang Cheng. "If you exert your full strength, how long can you maintain combat effectiveness?"
"About two double-hours shouldn't be a problem. The key is you can't stop; you must know how to borrow force and use momentum. Otherwise, your arms will go limp in half a double-hour." Huang Cheng took the water jar, clearly very thirsty, and gulped down over half the jar in one go before letting out a long sigh, smacking his lips in amazement. "Huh, Young Lord Fei, this water…"
Fei Qian laughed heartily. "Not bad, right? Tastes good? A few days ago, someone found a wild beehive in the mountains. I had them fetch it. Honey water with green salt can quickly replenish fluids and restore stamina."
Of course, Huang Cheng didn't understand concepts like replenishing electrolytes after heavy sweating, but he indeed felt some strength returning after drinking the water. He nodded in awe but added, "However, this honey water is too precious…"
The Han Dynasty lacked much sugar, primarily because sugarcane hadn't been introduced for large-scale cultivation.
Extremely small amounts of sugar were imported, called "shageling," later disliked for its awkward sound, so people called these imported lump sugars "Western Stone Honey," meaning honey-like substances from the distant West.
Within Han territories, the best thing for sweetness was honey. Therefore, honey was generally something only high officials and nobles could enjoy.
Hearing this, Fei Qian thought for a moment, then nodded. "Indeed, it is somewhat. In that case, let's store it for now and use it when going into battle… By the way, Shuye, starting today, you and those you've selected will switch to three meals a day…"
"Ah?! Three meals a day?!"
Han Dynasty people were accustomed to two meals. Eating three meals was like taking a midday nap during the Han—seen as typical behavior for gluttons and lazy people, looked down upon by others.
"Hmm, plus one sheep." Fei Qian affirmed with a nod, speaking seriously. "To forge strength, one ultimately needs meat. Eating three meals is the same; it has nothing to do with gluttony or laziness… Alright, finish this water, then go change clothes. Don't mind others' words. What's important is training these soldiers well. When they display their sharp edge, the idle talk will naturally cease."
Huang Cheng solemnly acknowledged, glanced at the water jar, thought for a moment, then placed it beside Fei Qian's desk, giving a simple, honest smile. "I'm full. This water… better left for Lord Fei…" He then cupped his hands and left the main tent.
Heh, this guy.
Fei Qian shook his head and smiled. The water jar wasn't that big; Huang Cheng clearly felt the honey water was somewhat precious and reluctant to finish it, hence claiming he was full or the like…
"Commandant Ma requests an audience!" A guard outside the main tent reported.
"Enter!"
Ma Yan entered with a young man. After exchanging greetings, Ma Yan pointed to the young man. "This is Ma Yue, styled Zidu. I've newly adopted him as my heir. His horsemanship and martial skills are acceptable. This time, let him serve before your saddle and hold your stirrups."
Ma Yue stepped forward and performed a grand bow to Fei Qian.
"Oh? Congratulations, then, Chengyuan!" Fei Qian rose from his seat, helped Ma Yue up, and said to Ma Yan.
Fei Qian looked Ma Yue up and down. He had a square face, thick eyebrows, big eyes, clear gaze, broad shoulders, a sturdy build—clearly a fine young man.
"Excellent! Excellent! Fetch my sword!" Fei Qian called a guard to bring a new ring-pommeled sword as a gift for Ma Yue.
Ma Yue glanced at Ma Yan and, upon his nod, accepted Fei Qian's gift, performed another bow, and withdrew.
"My Lord, are you truly sure you don't want me to accompany you this time?" Ma Yan was still somewhat worried. After all, on the battlefield, the slightest misstep could lead to bitter defeat. Although they were dealing with Yellow Turban bandits, the numerical disparity was quite significant…
"This campaign to aid Yong'an is certainly important, but the Beiqu camp is equally important. Moreover, there are many Hu people here. Without the three words 'Du Liao General' here to maintain order, those fellows might get ideas again. Only with you here, Chengyuan, can I be at ease!"
Hearing this, Ma Yan was momentarily taken aback, thought for a moment, then said, "My Lord means someone might take the opportunity to attack?"
"There's that possibility; we cannot be unprepared." Fei Qian said. "Of the recruited Hu cavalry, I'll take a portion. The remainder, please personally command, Chengyuan. Insert the Bingzhou veterans who understand the Hu language among them so commands can be given smoothly."
Ma Yan nodded.
"As for Yu Fuluo's side, although we have some preliminary promises, don't fully trust them. The crossbow catapults on the camp's hill now number over twenty. Just ensure no one attacks along the mountainside to destroy them. Unless a large army attacks, there shouldn't be major problems. However, the cattle and sheep grazing in the outer areas…" Fei Qian knocked on the desk, appearing hesitant.
"Better to slaughter them all and make dried meat." Ma Yan suggested.
Truth be told, due to trade at Beiqu, Fei Qian now possessed a considerable number of cattle and sheep. If kept, allowed to breed and form a scale, they could naturally multiply, becoming a future food source. Slaughtering them now for dried meat, no matter what, constitutes a loss.
However, that seemed the only option now. Cattle and sheep required too much space. If trouble arose, while defending the main camp, they might not be able to protect the grazing herds outside…