Chapter 115: First Arrival at the Barracks

The next day, the villagers all hurried to Chief He’s house to sign up. Xiao Ding and Zhao Laixi also registered, and they helped Fan Sanpang, Zhao Hu, and a few others put their names down as well.

The villagers were simple and honest; no one dared to conceal or refuse to register on their own. Since the imperial court demanded that all able-bodied men of age serve in the military, the common people dared not object.

Chief He informed those who came to sign up to prepare in advance, for in three days they would all gather at the Yungzhou City barracks to report and then follow the orders of the military officers.

For a time, a somber and sorrowful atmosphere filled the entire Luoxia Village. Although many were dissatisfied with the conscription, little arms could not resist powerful legs. For the powerless and ordinary folk, all they could do was grumble quietly. Even the wealthy, like the Xue landlord family, reported every able-bodied man without exception. Normally, the rich could buy their way out of such conscription, but this time, the situation was different.

In the Great Song Empire, those exempted by law from labor or military service included government officials’ households, women, monks and nuns, and those who had passed the imperial examinations. In previous times, if a family had a pregnant woman or young children to care for, the men could be excused from service. But this conscription was special: all able-bodied men of age were required to enlist.

At Tian Dabao’s home, preparations were also underway for those going to serve. Er Niu gathered Xiao Ding’s spare clothes, wrapping them neatly together. Xiao Ya was preparing items for Zhao Laixi as well. Fan Sanpang and Zhao Hu had few belongings to begin with; after moving into the Tian household, Xiao Ding had spent money to provide them with several sets of clothing. Those clothes were all they owned.

Xiao Ding retrieved several water bags he had collected during their last trip into Luoxia Mountain, distributing them to everyone to keep safe.

He did not know exactly what supplies were necessary for soldiers in this era. Chief He had only told him to bring essential daily items like luggage, clothes, and water bags.

Three days passed swiftly.

That day, the eastern exit of the village was already packed with relatives coming to bid farewell to those conscripted. Many faces were streaked with tears, uncertain if those they sent off would ever return.

Mrs. Li held Xiao Ding’s hand tightly, giving him countless reminders. Xiao Ya clung to Zhao Laixi, unwilling to let go. Xiao E, Er Niu, Xiao Fu, and Xiao Zhu’er all stood there reluctantly watching Xiao Ding leave. Even Tian Dabao hobbled to the village entrance on his crutch to see them off.

Seeing this scene, Xiao Ding felt a sting in his nose. Though he had come from another time, he truly felt the warmth of family with the Tians, who had never neglected him despite his simple-mindedness.

He urged his family to be careful, especially cautioning the Ou siblings. After all, the black-clad man who had fled was still a threat. He suspected he would not return soon, and there was no one at home capable of standing against that danger, which troubled him deeply.

“Brother Xiao Ding, don’t worry. Leave the household to me. If that black-clad man dares come again, I’ll shoot him dead with my crossbow,” Ou Muyun said confidently, patting his chest.

“Good. You should practice improving your crossbow accuracy. Then when the black-clad man comes again, you won’t be afraid,” Xiao Ding encouraged, patting Ou Muyun on the shoulder.

“Silly Brother, you must come back soon!” Xiao Zhu’er squeezed to the front, looking up at him.

“Mm, I’ll come back after the war. When you’re at home with nothing to do, practice your crossbow more. Next time the black-clad man appears, you can help Sister Mulin shoot him,” Xiao Ding said, ruffling her hair.

“I will, Silly Brother. Don’t worry,” Xiao Zhu’er answered in her soft childish voice.

“Husband, you must promise me you’ll return safely. I’ll wait for you at home!” Er Niu’s voice trembled with tears.

“I will come back safe and sound. Don’t worry about me. Now, Er Niu, go home and eat well. Take good care of your body. And Xiao E, you’re so thin—you need to eat more. Our warm greenhouse is making money now; no need to scrimp anymore,” Xiao Ding said.

“Mm…” Xiao E and Er Niu both nodded toward him.

“Father, Mother, after we leave, the vegetables in the greenhouse are yours to manage. When selling them, you can tell the buyers the vegetables are from the Tian Xiao Ding family—they’ll know,” Xiao Ding instructed Tian Dabao and Mrs. Li.

“All right. Don’t worry about me. Though I have only one leg, I can still manage the cart just fine,” Tian Dabao said boldly.

Each of the ten men, including Xiao Ding, Zhao Laixi, Fan Sanpang, and Zhao Hu, led a horse with their luggage and belongings strapped on. After a heartfelt farewell to their families, they set off toward Luoxia Town, joining all the others from the village who were conscripted.

Yungzhou City lay north of Luoxia Village, accessible by the main road through Luoxia Town, a journey of over two hundred li. Along the way, passing through various villages, they saw scenes of families bidding farewell.

Walking on foot would take three to four days; riding fast horses could shorten it to a day and a night, though such speed would exhaust the horses.

Since they had horses, Xiao Ding and the others refused to dawdle like the rest of the villagers. They galloped ahead, leaving the others far behind.

After more than two days, they reached the outskirts of Yungzhou City.

Yungzhou City, as the capital of its region, lived up to its reputation. Its towering walls were thick and imposing, exuding an ancient grandeur. Above the massive gate hung a plaque inscribed with “Yungzhou” in clerical script.

Outside the city gate, a long line of people waited to enter—mostly dressed like Xiao Ding and his companions, clearly conscripts from many places coming to serve.

After finally entering the city, the main streets were filled with people from across the region reporting for duty. Xiao Ding and his group inquired about the barracks and rode toward the northern part of the city.

Within the time it took for incense to burn down, they arrived at the northern barracks. Above the gate hung a sign reading “Yungzhou Auxiliary Army Northern Camp” in large characters.

Next to the gate stood a small building with a sign that read “New Recruits Registration.”

Xiao Ding and his comrades dismounted and approached the registration point. The area in front of the barracks was already crowded with new recruits from all over Yungzhou.

For these new soldiers, arriving at the barracks stirred curiosity. Many craned their necks, peering inside the gate. If not for the guards standing watch, some might have already tried to sneak in.