Chapter 387: Ancient Military Service
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Recollections of past moments flooded Qin Silong’s mind, like the time Chen Shanshan had playfully stuffed a meat bun into his mouth or when she had wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.
Once again, Qin Silong gave himself a resounding slap on the back of his head.
What a fool he had been!
He hadn’t rejected her actions back then; in fact, he had welcomed them. His acquiescence had been a silent agreement, an unspoken affirmation of her actions.
He hadn’t just refrained from rejecting or disliking her; he had genuinely appreciated her personality.
That should be enough.
To hesitate when offered the opportunity to marry such a woman was not in line with the demeanor of a seasoned military expert who had lived through two lifetimes.
With newfound clarity, Qin Silong composed a fourth letter.
In it, he informed Qin Zhenzhen that he was willing to marry Chen Shanshan. He acknowledged that it might be several years before he could return home and that his military service would continue. Furthermore, the battlefield was unforgiving, and he couldn’t guarantee his safety.
He implored his fifth sister to relay this information to Chen Shanshan, giving her the chance to reconsider her choice. If Chen Shanshan stood by her decision, he would not disappoint her. He vowed to strive for a long, prosperous life, dedicating himself to her.
In addition, he pledged to achieve great success in the military camp for her. When the time was right, he would request his parents to propose marriage to the Chen family on his behalf.
The decision was made: marriage first. Two years later, he would seek the opportunity to return home and marry her.
Ordinary recruits were subject to a strict military rule: they were not permitted to return home to visit their relatives for a period of three years after entering the military camp. This rule remained in effect even if their family members pa.s.sed away.
Promotion and recognition were the only avenues for relaxation from this rigid constraint. A new recruit had to distinguish themselves and ascend to at least the rank of a chiliarch before they could apply for a chance to return home.
This promotion signified a grand return to their hometown in glory.
In Qin Silong’s previous life, as he was on the verge of being promoted to the rank of chiliarch, he had returned to his countryside home, expecting a triumphant homecoming. Instead, his soul had unexpectedly been transported back to his hometown.
In this lifetime, he was determined to avoid such a tragic twist.
Qin Silong was confident that he would rise to the rank of chiliarch within three years, perhaps even surpa.s.sing that to attain a higher official position. That said, the ancient military service system was harsh and unforgiving.
Regular soldiers weren’t eligible to apply for permission to visit their hometowns within the first three years of service. However, after that initial period, a selection process ensued, allowing weak and disabled soldiers to be discharged from the army. They received compensation and returned to their ordinary lives.
Healthy soldiers with combat experience remained in the military camp to protect the nation. They were only allowed to return home once they were no longer young and strong, typically after ten to twenty years.
Upon their entry to the military camp, these soldiers were usually around 15 to 16 years old. By the time they were released, they ranged from 35 to 40 years of age. The prime years of their lives were spent in service, devoid of marriage, children, or the ability to care for their parents.
However, those who endured two decades of military service, even without remarkable accomplishments or official t.i.tles, could ama.s.s considerable savings. Upon their discharge, they could at last enter into the joys of marriage, parenthood, and a return to civilian life.
In the military camp, their sustenance and lodging were provided, and they received monthly wages. Some chose to save their earnings themselves, but this method was fraught with uncertainty. Saving money in the military camp posed risks: if they met their end on the battlefield, their hard-earned savings could end up in someone else’s possession when their belongings were sorted. It would all be in vain.
Alternatively, some soldiers sent their earnings back home, entrusting their families with the task of safeguarding the funds. However, even this approach wasn’t without its drawbacks. Many individuals couldn’t feasibly reach their families, no matter how much money they sent, due to the vast distances involved..