The Demon Lords

Second Corps Third Battalion, Third Corps Third Battalion, Fourth Corps Two Battalions, Fifth Corps Two Battalions, Sixth Corps Three Battalions, Seventh Corps One Battalion, totaling fourteen battalions, altogether twenty-one thousand warriors.

At the same time, each unit of 300 soldiers is taken as a gathering entity, not only on the battlefield, but in their daily lives, this group acts as a local-grade unit. Their wives, children, and parents are also domiciled under a certain unit, similar to the organizational structure of later times, or even reminiscent of large and small teams from earlier times.

When the battle commences, orders are issued by Lord Pingye to gather troops. Subsequently, it is the responsibility of the unit leader to integrate his 300 soldiers, equip them, prepare horses, and assemble promptly.

Once the battle concludes, except for the Seventh Corps personally led by Gao Yi as Lord Zheng’s guard battalion and the Fourth Corps under Ding Hao responsible for city defense duties, the remaining corps can return to their respective units for production activities when not called for training assembly.

This approach greatly reduces the burden on the Earl’s Mansion and liberates labor force for production.

Of course, there is a side effect to this. Once peace persists, such a military system can easily decline, as seen with military households of another era and the Eight Banners of the Qing Dynasty. But there’s no need to worry about this for now, because there are wild people in the north and Chu people in the south, with no shortage of wars for decades to come. Constant warfare prevents decline.

Due to Zheng Fan’s powerful authority and influence from personal admiration in the army, along with the strategies of the blind man and suppression by Liang Cheng, the military restructuring proceeded smoothly.

Lord Pingye’s mansion provides monthly monetary and food supplements to the units, with additional benefits during annual and festive occasions, which are advantages absent for civilians outside the units. Such preferential treatment makes joining a unit highly valued by civilians.

Joining a unit is akin to obtaining household registration, with unequal treatments leading outsiders to desperately wish to join, akin to the household registration systems of large cities in later times.

After this system was established, many bachelors in the army were quickly introduced and wed, almost like obtaining a green card through marriage relations.

For families with no eligible women or those unwilling to approach unit entry through marriage, they can enroll in labor camps or auxiliary battalions during next conscription, earning unit entry privilege through military achievements.

Income for unit households comes partly from monthly stipends issued by the Earl’s Mansion, and from personal labor production, such as those under Jin Shuke and Keyan Dongge. The Barbarians, when not at war, can graze their livestock near the Snow Sea Pass’s snow plains.

However, the main source of income comes from profits shared from war. To ensure their family lives well, men must fight bravely and fiercely on the battlefield.

In any case,

The blind man is quite satisfied with his military reform,

In his view,

He has turned the Snow Sea Pass into the embryonic form of a war machine.

It is now eager for war and external plunder, like a hungry young beast.

Each demon king has their own preferences,

Liang Cheng enjoys leading troops, Siniang likes mentoring princesses and unique ladies like Liu Ruqing, San’er enjoys craftsmanship, A Ming enjoys sampling various fresh blood in the ice cellar,

While Fanli prefers to stroll after dinner with a sword maid on his shoulder.

Even Mo Wan,

Has children to take care of.

And the blind man,

Favors change and reform, being naturally imbued with a disdain for stability, recognized among demon kings as the most devoted to rebellion.

All are adults,

Understanding that life sometimes requires bowing one’s head, especially in matters like flattering my lord;

But also understand pursuing and reaping their own joy while maintaining quality of life, can’t be abandoned.

"Alright, don’t drink too much." Ding Hao said, "Going to see Lord Zheng reeking of alcohol later isn’t good."

Upon hearing this, everyone silently set down their wine cups.

Jin Shuke checked the time, saying, "It’s about time, shall we enter the mansion?"

Everyone stood up,

And almost instinctively began examining their armor voluntarily,

Lord Zheng appreciates attention to detail and the beauty of order, everyone knows this.

After all,

Unless one is foolish or truly devoid of desires,

One wouldn’t remain indifferent to their superior’s preferences.

Ding Hao scanned the surroundings,

"Is everything sorted?"

They all nodded.

"Alright, when reporting new positions and duties later, pay attention to rhythm, don’t rush. The final unison, timing should be spot on, including the gesture of drawing blades and inserting them on the ground in oath, it must be aligned."

Jin Shuke voiced some concern:

"Should we not rush down and practice here a couple of times first?"

No one opposed,

It seemed quite necessary to everyone.

Ding Hao was among the earliest family, Zuo Jiqian relied on Zheng Fan because the Zuo Family was gone, Jin Shuke was a definite staunch supporter, Keyan Dongge, having been preemptively endorsed by Lord Jingnan, was thus very obedient, Gao Yi, while originating from Jingnan’s army, prospered with Zheng Fan, Hsu Youcheng was originally from Jin people’s surrendered troops.

So naturally, everyone put extra care into what would make "Lord Zheng" happy and satisfied.

Therefore,

When the waiter arrived to inquire whether the gentlemen desired more drinks, they witnessed the following: