Chapter 31: Forming the Army! Forward!

Outside Shanxi City.
The first encounter between Xiliu Camp and the Black Flag Army was pleasant. Wu Shouzhong, who was in charge of guarding Shanxi, gave up a large area east of the city—over ten miles long, with seven or eight villages of varying sizes and more than two thousand inhabitants.
Shanxi City was originally Wu Fengdian’s jurisdiction, while Huang Shouzhong was responsible for defending Heyang. He generously agreed to lend this area to Xiliu Camp, saying, “We’ll discuss the details later.”
Not only that, but he also ensured safe passage for Xiliu Camp from the beach to the defense area and even mobilized two hundred laborers for them.
Xiliu Camp was initially stationed in a large village, but after some discussion among Liu Yu and a few officers, it was decided to set up camp in the nearby wastelands.
Although Shanxi was prosperous, the wars in the north left many abandoned villages that could be used after minor repairs. Transporting hundreds of goods back to the old camp took considerable effort, with Sergeant Deng from the front camp proving to be a great help.
On the road, hundreds of laborers and soldiers pushed the mule carts forward slowly, with Sergeant Deng’s assistance, until they reached the old camp. Thankfully, everything went smoothly. Sergeant Deng was an honest man; he bowed deeply and refused even tea before leaving, saying, “Since the goods have arrived and the troops are settled, I must go!”
He was rather awkward and didn’t understand why Huang Shouzhong trusted him so much as to assign him to assist Xiliu Camp. Seeing him sweating profusely, Jiang Linyang felt guilty and insisted, “Have a meal first. We really owe this to Sergeant Deng.”
Sergeant Deng, not good at social interactions, waved his hands and said, “My family’s meal is ready; I need to go home.”
He didn’t want to take advantage of others, but Liu Yu also wanted to maintain good relations with the front camp. Liu Yu politely said, “Sergeant Deng, you’re too modest. Wouldn’t that mean blaming us for not knowing how to host guests? Suiyun, if you leave now, I’ll hold you accountable.”
Hearing this, Sergeant Deng glanced at the young Liu Suiyun and realized that leaving would likely cause the boy distress. He immediately replied, “Then I won’t be polite anymore.”
There were six dishes and two soups. Though it was just meat and fish, the meal was quite enjoyable for both hosts and guests. After just a few bites, Liu Yu said, “We owe this to the brothers from the front camp. Sima, are there any remaining backdoor rifles in the camp?”
Sima Tai responded, and Liu Yu continued, “Bring five of them; Sergeant Deng will give them to the friends in the front camp.”
By now, Xiliu Camp’s equipment was fully standardized, with Spencer and Remington rifles as the standard arms. Only a few units in the Huai Army could afford such equipment, so some older rifles were phased out—still top-quality rifles, just not the standard issue for Xiliu Camp.
Sergeant Deng, not good at social interactions, turned red upon hearing that five backdoor rifles would be given away. He hadn’t expected this young boy to have such influence. He quickly stood up, wanting to decline but feeling it would be impolite. He bowed deeply and said, “I am truly grateful for Commander Liu’s kindness.”
Liu Yu replied generously, “I’ve just arrived in Shanxi and joined the Black Flag Army. I still need the guidance of our senior members. There’s no need for formalities—just call me Ayu.”

Squadron Leader Deng’s face lit up: “Brother Ayu, there’s no need for formalities. Just call me Shichang.” It was just a casual remark, but Liu Yu was astonished: “Deng Shichang?” Squadron Leader Deng had already sat down again and bowed slightly, saying, “My common name is Deng Shichang.” Neither he nor the others understood why Liu Yu reacted so strongly to this name. Upon closer inspection, the squadron leader before him seemed like a simple old farmer—having spent ten years wandering in distant lands, his hair turning gray early, sitting there silently enduring the hardships, far from being the heroic Beiyang admiral. In the future, one would become famous forever while the other remained unknown. With a sigh, he casually said, “Deng Shichang, Deng Shichang—what a great name! It will surely be remembered through the ages.” He was referring to the admiral of the Zhiyuan ship, far away. But upon hearing these words, Squadron Leader Deng felt his blood boil with enthusiasm, and he stood up again. He was a squadron leader in the Black Flag Army, a position neither too high nor too low. The Black Flag Army was organized like a group of warriors, with several battalions under its command, and each battalion had several squadrons. Squadron leaders and personal guards played a role similar to regimental or company officers in the Republic of China, commanding anywhere from fifty-six to over a hundred men. Although he was highly regarded by Huang Shouzhong, he still felt somewhat frustrated. Exiled in a distant land, unable to return home in glory, what meaning did being a squadron leader hold? Thus, Liu Yu’s casual remark truly touched his heart. He immediately poured himself a full cup of wine and drank it all in one gulp, not leaving a drop: “I don’t seek fame far and wide. I just wish to have a good reputation like Brother Sima.” “I wouldn’t dare accept such praise!” Sima Tai was already drunk upon hearing this: “It’s too much of an honor. Such a minor reputation isn’t worth mentioning.” But Squadron Leader Deng thought Liu Yu was right, and they began to talk more and more animatedly. The Chinese forces in Tonkin were almost all from Guangxi, making them fellow countrymen. Liu Yu and the others also wanted to form strong alliances within the Black Flag Army: “Brother Shichang, since we’ve joined the Black Flag Army, we’re family now.” “Brother Ayu, with your Xiliu Camp joining us, our strength will greatly increase. In Tonkin, no one will dare to provoke us.” At that, he thought of something else: “I imagine Brother Yuanting won’t be very happy to hear this news! The French have blocked our supply of weapons for almost six or seven years. Now that you’ve brought so many advanced weapons, even if the French send troops to attack, our Black Flag Army won’t fear them.” Liu Yu also said, “I believe that in Tonkin, only the Black Flag Army is truly willing to fight to the death against the French. That’s why I’d rather abandon Lu Zhiping of Gaoping and join the Black Flag Army!” “Great! Great! Great!” Squadron Leader Deng drank another cup of wine: “I think your Xiliu Camp will eventually be similar to our front battalion, forming its own battalion. I wonder how Brother Liu will organize it? Though its strength may be weak, it’s enough to form four squadrons.” He had said it casually, but this remark made even Sima Tai put down his cup, and everyone turned their attention to Liu Yu.

Neither the current Xiliu Camp nor the current Liuzi Camp has a regular, fixed structure like the Black Flag Army; they are temporarily organized during battles, with officers appointed by the commander to lead the troops. However, now that the force has grown to nearly 300 people, it is no longer possible for Liu Yu to directly command them in battle. Everyone is wondering how Liu Yu will organize the troops and appoint officers, while Deng Shichang realizes he has spoken too much, left with the full wine glass in his hand, not knowing whether to drink it or put it down.