Before dawn, a courier delivered Wei Zheng a sealed packet at the Registry barracks. He read the command twice, then set it beside the deployment map.
The order directed him to activate the Commander’s Harvest Formation when the provincial column advanced. Its lattice would draw future cultivation from the soldiers and route it into the commander’s strike. The men would retain their current strength, but lose decades of later progress.
A line at the end said the company had consented. The forms carried the soldiers’ marks. General Mo expected Wei to review them before morning assembly and authorize the formation by noon.
Sergeant Huo stood in the records room doorway. “You’re up early.”
“I’m checking the order.” Wei turned the consent slips toward him. Three bore identical marks. “Did you approve this?”
Huo examined his seal. “That’s mine.”
“Did you read the transfer clause?”
“I signed for winter boots and meal allowance. The clerk told us the form confirmed the issue.”
