The decree had only been issued for a few days, and its effects were already beginning to show. Steward Wu went to the neighboring county to purchase necessities such as oxen and rice seeds, while Zhang Fu rallied the displaced people, distributed farm tools, and organized everyone to clear and cultivate the land.
In less than half a month, over 1,500 mu of farmland had been reclaimed.
With this land, the common people finally had hope for their lives.
Several days had passed, and there was still no news from the commandery. Could it be that Hua Tuo had indeed persuaded the Prefect, and they would not pursue the matter? However, as long as the appointment letter had not arrived, Zhang Chen's heart remained uneasy.
If it really came to war, could he handle it?
Never mind, since he was free today, why not go and see how Gao Shun's recruitment was progressing.
Zhang Chen made up his mind and immediately left the County Government.
The Military Camp was located south of the city. It was originally the garrison for the government army when they put down the Yellow Turban last year. After the Yellow Turban Rebellion was quelled, the government army withdrew, and the place was abandoned. However, all the necessary facilities were complete; the training ground and tents were all ready.
Gao Shun ordered a simple renovation, and it became the garrison for the county Soldiers.
Zhang Chen arrived outside the camp gate and heard a uniform roar of shouting and killing from within the camp from afar. The shouts were filled with a stern and imposing aura of battle.
At a glance, hundreds of Soldiers were intensely drilling. To the side, Gao Shun stood with his hands behind his back, his expression cold and stern, naturally exuding authority without needing to be angry.
Zhang Chen couldn't help but activate his "Insight Eye" and observed carefully.
【Name: Zhang Xiaoyi】
【Traits: Superhuman Strength (Blue), Fierce and Brave (Blue)】
【Name: Zhou Yong】
【Traits: Strong and Powerful (Green), Skilled in Combat (Blue)】
...
Zhang Chen looked around and saw that every Soldier actually had one or two green or blue traits!
It seemed that these Soldiers were all carefully selected. Although the number was not large, each one was powerful and not to be underestimated!
Looking at their movements again, they were uniform and followed orders strictly, with quite an imposing air!
As expected of a good General, in just half a month, he had trained the military appearance to be so disciplined!
At this moment, Gao Shun also saw Zhang Chen standing outside the camp gate. He immediately raised his hand, clenched his fist, and ordered loudly, "Halt!"
All the Soldiers stopped in unison, no one disobeyed.
Zhang Chen leisurely stepped into the camp gate. Gao Shun walked towards him and bowed with cupped hands, saying, "Your subordinate pays respects to Lord."
Zhang Chen patted Gao Shun's shoulder and smiled, "County Commandant Gao is indeed skilled in leading troops. In just a few days, you have achieved such results!"
"Lord is too kind. Time was short, so we only focused on disciplining the military appearance. We haven't trained in formation combat and fighting yet," Gao Shun said, then turned to the Soldiers and said, "Hurry and pay respects to the County Magistrate!"
"Greetings, Lord!!!"
Hundreds of Soldiers shouted in unison, their voices deafening.
"Good!" Zhang Chen said with great joy, "All of you who have come to join the army are here to protect the people of this area. The future safety of Guangping County will depend on you!"
"We are willing to fight to the death for Lord! Defend our city and protect our people!"
Seeing the high morale of the Soldiers, Zhang Chen was very pleased. He immediately asked Gao Shun, "How many Soldiers have been recruited this time?"
Gao Shun replied, "The entire camp, including officers and men, totals seven hundred."
Seven hundred? Seven hundred Trap Camp! Indeed, it is the "Trapped Camp"!
"If these seven hundred Soldiers were to face three thousand commandery troops, what would be the chances of victory?"
Gao Shun smiled and said, "Lord, please rest assured. Although there are only seven hundred Soldiers, they have been carefully selected. With diligent training, they will definitely be able to fight ten each, it's not a problem!"
"With those words from you, I am relieved!" Zhang Chen said, "If you encounter any difficulties, you can report them to me. The matter of the county Soldiers is of utmost importance. Without Soldiers and horses in hand, the people cannot live in peace and prosperity."
"Lord, please rest assured, your subordinate understands," Gao Shun said. "However, there is indeed one matter. Although the Soldiers have been recruited, we lack weapons and armor. Without these, they will ultimately just be scattered individuals, difficult to form a fighting force."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen couldn't help but ponder.
Weapons and armor? Alas, that's another considerable expense!
There's still no news from the commandery, and my position as County Magistrate is still not officially recognized. It's impossible to report to the imperial court and apply for military supplies. This money will undoubtedly have to come out of my own pocket!
There's no other way, I'll just have to trouble Wu Bo again to continue working hard to make money.
Thinking of this, Zhang Chen said in a deep voice, "Military supplies are a major matter and cannot be delayed. Draft a list as soon as possible. Money is not a problem."
As soon as Zhang Chen finished speaking, Gao Shun quickly took out a folded piece of paper from his Pregnant and handed it over.
"Lord, the list has already been drafted. Please take a look..."
"Cough cough... Yes, easy to say, easy to say..."
Zhang Chen took the paper, opened it, and couldn't help but roll his eyes in shock.
One steel sword: 300 cash.
One suit of armor: 500 cash.
One longbow: 100 cash.
One round shield: 200 cash.
Fifty arrows: 250 cash.
Total: 1250 cash.
Over a thousand cash! And this is just the military equipment for one person. For the entire camp of seven hundred people, the total is 875,000 cash!
When I read about the Three Kingdoms before, I only knew that those Marquis often had hundreds of thousands of troops, but I never realized that raising these Soldiers was so expensive!
It seems I need to find more ways to make money in the future!
Fortunately, not long ago, he had confiscated the property of Zhao Xiong and others, so the treasury was still quite full. He could still afford these military supplies.
"Take this list and withdraw the funds from the treasury."
Gao Shun was overjoyed upon hearing this and said, "Lord, please rest assured. With these military supplies, these seven hundred Soldiers will definitely become an elite force!"
"Good, then I shall look forward to it!" Zhang Chen said, then turned and bowed to the Soldiers again, "The safety of the county rests on all of you. Zifan is here to thank you in advance!"
All the Soldiers returned the bow in unison. Zhang Chen told Gao Shun to continue leading the training, while he himself left the camp gate.
A few more days passed, and when Zhang Chen came to the Military Camp again, he was truly startled.
The armored Soldiers, clad in sturdy armor and wielding sharp weapons, had grim expressions, as if one could feel the thick aura of battle from a distance.
At Gao Shun's command, the Soldiers began to drill. With shouts, they swung their swords, raised their shields, chopped, and thrust, all in one fluid motion. Zhang Chen watched from the side, his heart secretly impressed.
At this time, Zhang Chen looked again and found that every armored Soldier had an extra trait.
【Elite Trap Camp (Purple)】: As a member of the Trapped Camp, "Charge forward without hesitation, fearless of death" is your motto. (When trapped in the enemy formation, attack and defense are greatly increased. Unit type: Infantry)
What a powerful attribute!
Zhang Chen couldn't help but gasp. No wonder the "Trapped Camp" charged into battle and was invincible; it turned out to be the effect of this trait!
"Lord, the army is trained. Your subordinate has not failed in his mission," Gao Shun said. "These Soldiers can now follow orders and move in unison. The only thing they lack is experience in facing the enemy in formation. However, your subordinate is confident that these armored Soldiers will shine on the battlefield, defending our city and protecting our people!"
"Good! Good!" Zhang Chen said excitedly, "Gao Shun, you really didn't disappoint me! Every move and stance is awe-inspiring! Especially that shield formation just now, even iron cavalry would probably find it difficult to break through!"
"What Lord says is absolutely right. Historically, infantry has always been countered by cavalry. Therefore, your subordinate has studied for several years and finally devised this shield formation, which is specifically designed to counter cavalry!"
"Excellent! Excellent! By the way, has this unit been named?"
"It has not been named yet. I dare to ask Lord to bestow a name!"
Zhang Chen pondered, "In ancient times, there were four great military achievements: First to Ascend, Trap Camp, Decapitating Generals, and Capturing Flags. Qu Yi had eight hundred First to Ascend Soldiers. I see that these armored Soldiers are no weaker than his. How about calling them the 'Trapped Camp'?"
"Trapped Camp..." Gao Shun murmured to himself, as if something in his heart had been touched.
After a long while, his eyes lit up, and he bowed with cupped hands, saying, "Thank you, Lord, for bestowing the name!"
Immediately, he turned to the Soldiers and said, "Brothers, Lord has bestowed a name upon our army, called 'Trap Camp'! We must charge into battle and advance without hesitation!"
"Charge into battle! Advance without hesitation!"
...
The Soldiers roared like thunder, shaking the heavens and earth.