"Master, a troop of soldiers has arrived from outside, and their leader says his name is Wang Bing!"
The next morning, as Han Mo finished his ablutions, a subordinate reported.
"Wang Bing? Hurry and invite him in!"
Upon hearing it was Wang Bing, Han Mo's spirits immediately lifted. He was eager to meet this tragic figure from Song history.
"Is this General Wang?"
A moment later, two attendants ushered in a middle-aged man, who appeared to be in his early thirties. Though he was only about seven feet three inches tall, making him shorter than Han Mo, his face was remarkably striking. With a lion's nose, a broad mouth, and a full beard, his facial features were exceptionally rugged. Even without armor and in repose, he exuded a strong military aura.
Before Wang Bing could speak, Han Mo inquired enthusiastically.
"Master Han is too kind. What general am I, a mere commander?"
Although both were confidantes of Tong Guan, Wang Bing and Xin Xingzong were clearly of different calibers. Facing Han Mo, Wang Bing adopted a very humble demeanor.
"Hahahaha, General Wang, don't mock me. What is a mere seventh-rank official like myself to be called 'Master'?"
Wang Bing's words immediately earned Han Mo's respect. Han Mo already had a favorable impression of him, and Wang Bing's perceptiveness further impressed him.
"Hahahaha, why don't we do this? I won't call you 'Master,' and you won't call me 'General.' In my life, Old Wang most admires truly learned scholars. Master Han, you are now renowned throughout the land. Why don't I presume to call you brother?"
"Hahahaha, that suits me perfectly. Brother Wang, please!"
"Brother Han, please!"
Conversing with intelligent people is often a pleasure, as it was now. Han Mo didn't need to say much; Wang Bing, with his keen understanding, was already changing their mode of address. Though it was a small shift in appellation, Han Mo understood it as a gesture of goodwill. One doesn't refuse a friendly gesture, especially when one is shown such respect.
With a good start, their conversation became pleasant. By the time Liang Hongyu served tea, their relationship had become quite harmonious. While Han Mo wasn't naturally gregarious, Wang Bing's warmth made up for it. During their wide-ranging discussion, they finalized the marching route and departure time. By the time the important matters were settled, and Han Mo had arranged for a banquet, they were already like friends who had known each other for years.
"Brother Han, we are going to Mingzhou together. Once we arrive, all our subsequent actions will depend on your arrangements! Old Wang is a rough fellow and doesn't understand all the intricacies. If there's anything that requires a blade, just command me. But in other matters, it will be up to you!"
As the banquet was ready, Wang Bing poured a cup of wine and gestured to Han Mo.
"Hahahaha, Brother Wang, rest assured. We were dispatched by the Prince. Do they really dare to play any tricks on us?"
Han Mo reciprocated Wang Bing's respect. In just this short time, Han Mo began to understand why Tong Guan favored Wang Bing. Although Wang Bing was not as renowned as the "Seven Kings of the Southern Song" or the "Four Generals of the Revival" in Song history, Han Mo believed this was purely a matter of luck. Wang Bing possessed an excellent sense of proportion. First, he clearly established their united front against external forces, then he voluntarily ceded the leadership in their relationship, acknowledging the long-standing tradition of civil officials overseeing military affairs in the Song dynasty. Second, after ceding leadership, he clearly stated his bottom line: the command of the army was his. This was his non-negotiable point. Finally, he reiterated Han Mo's dominant position in their relationship. With just a few simple sentences, his thinking was remarkably clear. It was no wonder Tong Guan favored such a military officer. He didn't contend for power, wasn't arrogant, and knew what was his and what he could take. Such a person was not only favored by Tong Guan but also by Han Mo. As long as he adhered to their agreement, Han Mo could even predict that their trip to Mingzhou would be a pleasant one.
"Hahaha, anyway, I, Old Wang, am a rough fellow. If they play any tricks, that's your affair. I'll handle the action; the thinking is up to you!"
Hearing Han Mo's words, Wang Bing burst into laughter and continued.
"Alright, I'll handle the political matters, but we'll have to rely on you for the fighting, Brother Wang!"
"Then it's a deal!"
After settling the serious matters, the atmosphere at the table became relaxed. Han Mo and Wang Bing drank heartily until nightfall, when Wang Bing finally rose to take his leave.
The next morning, as Han Mo's convoy finished its preparations, the soldiers sent by Wang Bing to escort them arrived. For this southward journey to Mingzhou, Zhao Zhen had indeed shown Han Mo considerable respect, not only assigning him Wang Bing's entire Shengjie Army of three thousand men but also selecting two thousand strong youths from the city's auxiliary forces, forming a combined contingent of five thousand. While this force of five thousand might seem insignificant on battlefields where tens of thousands fought, it should be sufficient for the defense of Mingzhou, especially when combined with the imperial guards and auxiliary forces already stationed there.
"Brother Han, how do you feel about departing with the army for the first time? Are you accustomed to it?"
During the army's march, after arranging all matters, Wang Bing specially made time to approach Han Mo's carriage.
"You jest, Brother Wang. I'm still a bit unaccustomed, but with bandits everywhere, there's no choice but to adapt."
Being amidst the army, even though Han Mo was traveling with the logistics battalion, the atmosphere where every movement required strict adherence to orders was somewhat unsettling for him.
"Given the current situation, although we are marching as an army, we must still be cautious along the way. If your carriage is uncomfortable, I'll have the artisans from the logistics camp tidy it up for you tonight!"
"No need for such trouble. It's only a few days. Let's focus on making good progress!"
Though it was a polite offer, Han Mo quickly thanked Wang Bing for his consideration.
"General, our scouts have just reported that a large group of refugees is heading towards us about ten li ahead!"
"Refugees?"