Striving in the Red Mansion.

Summary

In the summer heat of Qiuci, Governor Qi Chi leads a grand army of 120,000 troops for a western expedition, including 40,000 from the capital and seasoned veterans. Jia Huan, with 20,000 Han soldiers, prepares for the campaign. The military system has evolved, with local militias playing a crucial role. Governor Qi's promise of militia forces aims to avoid court scrutiny, while the army's provisions rely on bonds due to an empty treasury. As the troops march towards war, they are driven by a sense of duty and sacrifice. Meanwhile, Jia Huan grapples with the challenges of training new recruits and the complexities of military preparedness in the region.

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