Chapter 114: Conscription Again
Beside the threshing ground in Luoxia Village stood a great willow tree, from whose branch hung a large bronze bell. The village chief, He, would only have it rung in times of urgent meetings. Whenever the bell tolled, villagers would gather at the threshing ground without delay.
Today, Chief He rang the bell once more. The villagers, unaware of the cause, hurriedly assembled at the threshing ground. At the side of a house, Xiaofu and Ou Muyun were lamenting how the bell’s ringing had startled the birds away when Xiaoding and Zhao Laixi stepped out.
“You two go back inside; we’re heading to the village meeting,” Xiaoding said, worried about leaving the children alone. After all, the man in black had been lurking nearby, watching their family closely.
By the time Xiaoding and Zhao Laixi reached the threshing ground, the place was already crowded. Seeing most of the villagers gathered, Chief He stood beneath the willow and began:
“Dear elders and fellow villagers, I have unfortunate news. The Hu people from the north have once again come south to raid our lands…”
Before Chief He could finish, the villagers erupted in murmurs.
“The northern Hu are back? Isn’t the border guarded?”
“Even with guards, they were defeated. Otherwise, how could the Hu have breached the passes?”
“Are our Song border troops so weak that they can’t hold the passes?”
“It’s a shame there are so many corrupt officials in the court—there’s always trouble with military funds.”
“The border troops have it tough; I heard there’s been heavy snowfall at the frontier this winter.”
“Same on the Hu side—deep snow. That’s probably why they’re raiding again.”
Seeing the chatter grow louder, Chief He raised his voice: “Quiet, everyone! Please listen carefully. The Hu raids usually occur after autumn harvest, but this year they’re late. In previous years, the Hu only raided beyond the frontier, but this time, they’ve brought their armies inside the passes. Previously, only the Dahala Kingdom raided us, but now the Dahala and Daxia Kingdoms have joined forces in their assault.”
He paused, then continued gravely: “Unfortunately, our Yongzhou borders the Daxia Kingdom. Their forces have already broken through the passes and invaded our Yongzhou territory. They’ve taken several counties and towns. Our governor is organizing troops to resist the invaders, but our forces are insufficient. The authorities now demand conscription from the civilian population. All able-bodied adult men must serve in the military.”
“What? Another conscription? Is there no peace for us?”
“I have only one son. If he goes and doesn’t return, what will become of me?”
“You have a son? I have five daughters! Am I to go in my old age?”
“Don’t say that. If none of us fight, who will drive out the Hu?”
“Exactly, we can’t just think of ourselves.”
“Chief He, you said all able-bodied men must serve. Does that include our household servants?” A lean man in his forties, with three strands of black beard and sharp eyes, stepped forward. He was the steward of the Xue estate in the eastern village.
“That should include everyone,” Chief He replied. “The order is clear—any able-bodied adult male, regardless of status, is to be conscripted.”
Listening from the side of the threshing ground, Xiaoding sighed inwardly. Just as his family’s fortunes were stabilizing and his construction plans were underway, this news dashed all hopes. He was familiar with the concept of the Hu raids—throughout Chinese history, northern nomadic tribes had repeatedly harassed the settled dynasties. From the Xiongnu in the Qin and Han eras, to the Five Barbarians during the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties; from the Turks in the Sui and Tang periods, to the Khitan, Jurchen, and Mongols in later times.
Northern nomads were skilled herders but poor farmers. Each autumn, as the harvest ripened, they would descend southward to plunder grain—a practice called “raiding the autumn wind.”
Though Xiaoding had never heard of the Dahala or Daxia Kingdoms, he surmised they were likely northern nomadic states. Since Yongzhou bordered Daxia and their troops had crossed the passes, this conflict would not end soon. His plans for spring construction would be delayed, as all able-bodied men would be conscripted, leaving few hands to work in the village.
His hopes to build more greenhouses were thus dashed; for now, he would have to rely on the two existing ones to support the family. If conscription was as Chief He said, his workers Fan Sanpang and Zhao Hu would have no choice but to serve. This would leave only the elderly, weak, and children at home—including Zhao Laixi.
Serving as a soldier was a harsh fate in any era. The battlefield was a place of unknown death and injury. Tian Dabao was a prime example—if he hadn’t gone to war, he wouldn’t have lost half a leg or fallen out of favor with Tian Caishen and Madam Zhou, resulting in his exile.
The villagers continued their heated discussions about conscription. Clearing his throat, Chief He spoke again: “Has everyone understood the conscription order? Once you are clear, report your names at my house within the next two days. Do not conceal anything. If the authorities discover any concealment, your entire family may suffer consequences.”
“This is not an empty threat. I urge all families, especially the larger households, to report truthfully,” Chief He emphasized.
“Very well, that concludes today’s meeting. If you have any questions, come find me,” he announced, dismissing the crowd.
This was no small matter. The Hu were back to raid once more, and the villagers, who called them simply “Huzi,” continued to murmur anxiously as they returned home. No one wished to serve in the army; the dangers of war far exceeded the comfort of home.
After returning, Xiaoding remained gloomy. Zhao Laixi had already relayed the meeting’s contents to the family. Naturally, they were shocked, sensing the storm that was about to descend upon them.
“Husband, will you have to serve soon?” Er Niu asked naively.
“Yes, unless something unexpected happens, I’ll be called up shortly,” Xiaoding said, gently stroking her hair.
“But, husband, I haven’t even borne you a child yet!” Er Niu said, her face filled with sorrow.