Chapter 60: Dividing the Merits

The cultivation breathing technique and the military breathing method were used in alternation. With Shen Shi’s stamina, now that the elite archers and commanding officers of the Liao army were gone, there was no one left who could face him in battle.

“Kill, kill, kill! Slaughter these Liao dogs!”

“We have to move fast—let’s not leave all the killing to him alone!”

“Brothers, follow me! Don’t let a single Liao dog escape!”

Witnessing Shen Shi’s unmatched valor, slicing through the Liao ranks as easily as cutting through vegetables, Wang Chao and Ma Han, both martial men with blood running hot, charged forward at the head. Spurred by their example, all the able-bodied militiamen rushed forth as well.

At this point, the outcome was decided. The remaining Liao soldiers had utterly lost their morale and turned to flee.

Thus unfolded a scene common in the wars between Song and Liao: the Liao had horses, and once they fled, the Song troops, who were on foot, could not give chase.

Even so, later tallies revealed that three hundred Liao corpses remained behind. More than a hundred fine horses, untouched, were also captured.

This victory was resounding, especially with the capture of those hundred warhorses—most were mounts of the elite Liao archers slain by Shen Shi. The warhorses of the Liao eagle-shooters were renowned for their exceptional quality, each one worth a thousand miles.

“Hahaha, what delight—the young master Shen truly lives up to his lineage!” Wang Chao clasped his hands and laughed heartily at Shen Shi.

Those who practice martial arts naturally possess a heart to defend their home and country. Though following Bao Zheng was his duty, the thrill of battle and the protection of dignitaries stirred wholly different passions.

“So, the Liao are not so formidable after all. Five hundred cavalry, wiped out as easily as this!”

The greatest gain, however, was that the surviving militiamen had, from this day on, conquered their fear of the Liao. Now, faced with the enemy, they would dare to draw their swords. With a little training, they would become elite troops.

When the battlefield was cleared, the entire marketplace erupted in celebration. The merchants who had come, though many might have been profiteers or tax dodgers, each was swept up in a wild joy. Every face shone with happiness, as if it were a New Year’s festival.

“Young Master Shen, in this battle you have slain five hundred enemies—such a great achievement must be reported to the court.”

Unlike the others, who could simply celebrate the victory, Bao Zheng’s duties were just beginning. Most important of all, Bao Zheng did not want Shen Shi to suspect him of claiming credit for the victory.

In the Song dynasty, a civil official’s defeat of the enemy was considered an ironclad achievement, with none daring to detract from it. But if the merit belonged to a military officer, it was another matter entirely—provoking a border conflict was a charge often reserved for military men by their civil counterparts.

Never trust the integrity of civil officials. Even Di Qing, the great marshal, after countless victories deep in Western Xia territory, was often denied any credit under the charge of “harming friendly states.”

“Sir, rest assured. Whatever you decide is fine by me.”

In truth, Shen Shi had no intention of claiming all the merit for himself. In his eyes, this battle was not his alone. He was not one to monopolize the spoils—he had no taste for state-run enterprises.

“Good, good! The merit from this campaign is considerable. Even if half is awarded to Guobei County, you shall receive rich rewards and stature,” Bao Zheng said to Shen Shi. Gongsun Ce immediately stepped in to explain the details of how the merits would be divided.

For instance, Guobei County would receive at least half, then Bao Zheng would receive his share, and only then would Shen Shi receive his portion.

Neither Bao Zheng nor Gongsun Ce wished Shen Shi to feel slighted by the distribution.

But Shen Shi harbored no such misunderstanding. Not only in this era—even in later generations—the merits of the leadership always outweighed those of those who fought on the front lines.

There is no point in being angry or indignant; such is the way of the human world.

When Bao Zheng led his men back to Guobei County with two hundred Liao heads, they were greeted with a fervent welcome.

The marketplace was not far from Guobei County. The Liao attack had been witnessed by all, leaving the county’s people frightened throughout the night.

They had feared the Liao would seize the opportunity to capture the county as well.

As a precaution, Magistrate Wang had gathered the county’s wealthy households overnight, preparing a cache of grain, silver, and gold to offer the Liao in case they arrived.

Was it shameful? Perhaps. But shameful things had happened often in the Song in recent years—even the emperor had done so. No one below him could feel more shame; after all, none could win in battle.

Thus, even after Shen Shi’s victory, Guobei County had sent no reinforcements. In truth, they had no troops to send—otherwise, Magistrate Wang would not have needed to muster the local militia.

Ironically, even when the victorious militia arrived, Guobei County did not believe they had won. The returning militiamen were mistaken for defeated soldiers feigning retreat to open the gates to the enemy.

Fortunately, the county’s strategy was to buy peace, not to fight. Otherwise, these militiamen might have fallen to their own people rather than the Liao.

It was only when Bao Zheng arrived and explained the situation that the county finally believed their own side had triumphed.

“Who would have thought that Magistrate Bao also possesses such skill in command? Truly admirable!”

Once the truth was clear, the county gates were finally opened, and the officials came out to welcome the party.

Bao Zheng nodded repeatedly, not only acknowledging the victory but also bestowing high praise upon Shen Shi and the militia.

“The Liao failed to breach our camp and, fearing an attack from your county, retreated in haste,” he explained.

With the battle recounted, it was time to divide the merits.

“No need for such formality. Magistrate Bao’s calm command under a hail of arrows is a model for us all,” said Magistrate Wang with a hearty laugh. Military merit was highly prized in the Song, especially by civil officials—such achievements could lead to promotion, even to the capital.

“Why not submit a joint memorial, reporting the destruction of a thousand Liao cavalry to gladden the court?”

Magistrate Wang agreed, but embellished the numbers—inflating five hundred to one thousand.

“But… there are only two hundred heads as proof…” Bao Zheng hesitated.

“Sir, Young Master Shen did indeed slay a Liao commander of a thousand cavalry,” Gongsun Ce quickly interjected, seeing Bao Zheng’s reluctance to exaggerate their achievements.

“What? Truly a commander of a thousand cavalry?” Magistrate Wang asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“Are you certain?”

“Sir, I have accompanied my father to many places and am familiar with the attire of the Liao’s thousand-cavalry commanders.”

“Excellent, excellent! Magistrate Bao, let it be so!”

Seeing Magistrate Wang’s excitement, Bao Zheng frowned.

Gongsun Ce had to persuade him again: “Sir, it is most important to inform the court at once.”

Though Gongsun Ce had not yet officially taken office, his bond with Bao Zheng was already strong, and he was eager to advance his friend's career, already drafting a memorial in his mind to add to his patron’s record.

“But to exaggerate our military merit… How can I permit such a thing?” Bao Zheng retorted with a cold snort, refusing outright.