While Zhu Shouren and the others lamented their inability to find a solution, Zhu Ping’an had already arrived at the training ground, which was now filled with the sounds of neighing horses and braying mules, resembling a sea of horses.
Liu Daodao was in the process of taming a magnificent black horse with white markings on its hooves, surrounded by a group of soldiers cheering him on.
Just as modern people are fascinated by luxury cars, ancient people were equally, if not more, obsessed with fine horses. The saying “a fine horse matches a hero” says it all—what man wouldn’t want to own a horse like Wuyan, Chitu, Dilu, or Zhaohuang Feidian? In ancient times, a fine horse would attract as much attention and admiration as a modern supercar.
Soldiers who were taking a break from training gathered to watch Liu Daodao tame the horse, while those still training couldn’t help but glance over frequently.
When Zhu Ping’an arrived, Liu Daodao immediately stopped taming the horse, dismounted, and ran over to greet him, excitedly reporting, “Young master, we’ve brought back 120 fine horses, including one from Dayuan with white markings on its hooves—that magnificent black horse over there. In addition to the 120 fine horses, we also bought 200 ordinary horses and 308 strong mules.”
Zhu Ping’an frowned and asked sternly, “How did you manage to buy so many horses and mules? Daodao, you didn’t force anyone to sell, did you? A fine horse costs at least thirty taels of silver, not to mention that exceptional steed. With three thousand taels, you could only afford a hundred fine horses…”
“Don’t worry, young master. We would never resort to coercion. We have the ‘Four Iron Laws and Eighteen Executions’ memorized by heart: ‘First, all actions must follow orders; unity is the key to victory. Second, do not take even a needle or thread from the people; their support and affection are our strength…’ Young master, the reason we could buy so many horses and mules is that the Suzhou Prefecture helped us with the funds. Our money was only enough for a hundred fine horses, but when we were buying horses at the market, the market supervisor secretly reported to the prefect, who then sent people with silver to buy up all the remaining horses and mules in the market and gifted them to us. No matter how much I tried to refuse, they insisted, so I had no choice but to bring them all back,” Liu Daodao explained, patting his chest.
“Oh, I see. I misunderstood you. You did well. With so many horses and mules, we can now form our cavalry unit. I’ll write a letter later to thank the prefect for his generous support,” Zhu Ping’an said, relieved, patting Liu Daodao on the shoulder and encouraging him.
He was truly grateful to the Suzhou Prefecture. It was rare to encounter a prefect who was so supportive, providing funds, manpower, and resources.
This time, they must protect Suzhou City at all costs.
“Young master, the Suzhou Prefecture is truly wealthy. The market supervisor entered with silver notes and didn’t even blink. If there had been more horses and mules in the market, they would have bought them all…” Liu Daodao described the scene at the market, clicking his tongue in amazement.
Zhu Ping’an inspected the horses and mules they had bought and was extremely satisfied. Of the 120 fine horses, a hundred were from the north, all potential warhorses that could be trained into battle steeds. The other twenty were tall horses from the Western Regions, significantly taller than the northern horses and almost worthy of being called “near-legendary steeds.”
The 200 ordinary horses were also strong and healthy, and the 308 mules were robust and tall. Mules, being hybrids of horses and donkeys, were larger than donkeys and almost as good as horses.
Zhu Ping’an was very pleased.
“Young master, this fine horse was a gift from the prefect. Please give it a name. Although it’s still untamed, I can have it trained and docile within two days,” Liu Daodao said, leading the black horse with white markings on its hooves over to Zhu Ping’an and asking him to name it.
Zhu Ping’an stroked the horse’s head and mane, praising it, “This is a once-in-a-decade fine horse.”
“Once in a decade? Really?” Liu Daodao and the soldiers were amazed, and those resting quickly gathered around.
“Do you all know about Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Chu?” Zhu Ping’an asked with a smile.
“Yes, my lord. ‘With strength to lift mountains and spirit to overshadow the world,’ he was the most formidable warrior of the Chu-Han era,” the soldiers replied.
“Do you know about his steed?” Zhu Ping’an asked again.
“Yes, the legendary Wuzhui,” many soldiers shouted, recognizing the name of Xiang Yu’s horse.
“Exactly. Xiang Yu was the most formidable warrior of the Chu-Han era, and his steed, Wuzhui, was the finest horse of that time. Wuzhui was a black horse, sleek and shiny like satin, with only its hooves white, whiter than snow. Its back was long, its waist short and straight, and its limbs were strong and well-developed…” Zhu Ping’an described Wuzhui’s appearance.
“Ah, isn’t that just like this horse? This horse is also black and shiny, with white markings on its hooves. Its back is long, its waist short and straight, and its limbs are as sturdy as pillars,” the soldiers exclaimed in surprise.
“Exactly. This horse bears an eighty percent resemblance to Xiang Yu’s Wuzhui. Such horses have a special name throughout history…” Zhu Ping’an said with a smile.
“What’s the name?” everyone asked, curious.
“Such horses are called ‘Treading Snow Wuzhui,’ just like horses with white spots on their foreheads are called ‘Dilu,'” Zhu Ping’an explained slowly.
“Treading Snow Wuzhui?! So this horse has such a grand reputation,” the soldiers said, their faces filled with awe.
“Indeed. Since Xiang Yu’s steed has already taken the name ‘Wuzhui,’ let’s call this horse ‘Treading Snow.’ I hope it lives up to the reputation of ‘Treading Snow Wuzhui,'” Zhu Ping’an said, stroking the horse’s mane.
“Treading Snow—what a great name! It sounds even more impressive than Wuzhui.”
“Of course! Xiang Yu may have been a formidable warrior, but our lord is a literary star descended from heaven.”
The soldiers cheered, coming up with all sorts of rustic nicknames for the horse.
Zhu Ping’an couldn’t help but laugh and raised his hand to quiet the crowd. He addressed the soldiers, “Treading Snow is a legendary steed. Since I usually command from the rear, it would be a waste for such a horse to follow me.”
“Therefore, I have decided to gift this horse to all of you. Of course, there are too many of you to share a single horse—we can’t exactly slice it up. The pirates from Songjiang are restless, repeatedly sending spies to scout Suzhou. Their malicious intentions are clear. During this pirate threat, whoever performs the best will be awarded the legendary steed, Treading Snow. Until then, Liu Daodao, who bought the horses, will ride it temporarily.”
Zhu Ping’an made this promise loudly to the soldiers.
“Really?” The soldiers’ eyes lit up.
“Of course. My word is my bond. Have any of you ever seen me go back on my word?” Zhu Ping’an declared.
“Whoo-hoo!”
“Battalion Commander Liu, take good care of my horse. Don’t skimp on the feed, and don’t ride it too much. Don’t wear it out.”
“Your horse? It’s clearly mine.”
The soldiers were fired up, their enthusiasm soaring as if they had been injected with adrenaline. They trained with unprecedented intensity, determined to distinguish themselves in battle and win the legendary steed.
