Three years before Ei Sei ascended to the throne of Qin, Ri Yami had left adolescence behind to become a recognized figure within the kingdom's army. At 17 years old, and after distinguishing himself in multiple skirmishes on the Wei border, he was promoted to captain of 500 men.
His unit was composed as follows:
300 infantry in total, of which 100 were heavy infantry.
100 archers.
50 cavalry riders.
30 logistics personnel.
20 medical staff for wounded treatment.
The news of his promotion marked not only a change in his military status but also the type of missions he would begin to receive. He was no longer the young tactical observer who went unnoticed: now he was in command of a force with considerable offensive and strategic capacity, especially in the kind of border wars that dominated the political and military landscape of the time.
Yami, as always, was not content with merely fulfilling orders. During the first month after receiving his new post, he reorganized the internal structure of his unit. The infantry was divided into three companies: two of light infantry, and one heavy infantry equipped with reinforced armor, steel spears, thick shields, and high-quality short swords. The equipment was acquired, in part, thanks to the capital he still possessed from his old clandestine network — an investment he had begun when he was barely thirteen.
The 100 archers, mostly inexperienced, were placed under the command of Captain Rang Shu, a former scout from the eastern forests whose marksmanship and composure in combat had impressed Yami during a minor battle against a group of bandits months before. Rang Shu, though rough, was meticulous and patient, two qualities indispensable for someone who had to transform novices into true long-range threats.
The cavalry, the smallest of the divisions, was entrusted to Jian Mu, a young warrior of noble descent who had fallen on hard times and joined the army as a way of redemption. Although impulsive, Jian was an outstanding rider, and his leadership inspired confidence in the recruits, most of whom had little riding experience.
The infantry was divided into four main sections under the command of the following officers:
Lao Chen: a war veteran, tough and disciplined. His experience made him ideal for prolonged combat.
Wei Long: a young ambitious man with a strong sense of defensive tactics. He was determined to climb ranks and saw Yami as a role model, though with some envy.
Ming Tao: quiet but extremely efficient. He was respected for his calm and ability to maintain morale even in the toughest moments.
Han Jin: the youngest of the group but also the most analytical. He had been a strategist in minor battles and sought to prove he could lead men as well as plans.
Throughout the following year, Yami's unit was assigned to mobile operations along the Qin-Wei border. Although officially their task was to watch and respond to enemy incursions, Ri Yami used this mobility to carry out a series of quick strikes against Wei trade caravans crossing secretly with forged permits or without military protection.
The gains were substantial: food, metals, wine, medicines, and most importantly, information. Some captured merchants were interrogated and released in exchange for bribes or future collaboration.
The officers under his command quickly adapted to this modus operandi. Although initially doubtful, Yami made clear that their actions were aligned with weakening the enemy's economy and that what was obtained directly served to improve the equipment and welfare of their troops. Many soldiers who had hesitated before now fought with greater fierceness knowing their rewards were not just medals but tangible spoils.
On one occasion, they intercepted a caravan escorted by an elite Wei unit. It was the greatest test for the young unit. The heavy infantry was deployed at the front, enduring the initial onslaught. The archers, from a hill, began firing coordinated volleys under Rang Shu's precise orders. Jian Mu and his cavalry flanked from the west, causing chaos in the enemy rear. The victory was hard-fought but decisive.
That victory marked a before and after. Ri Yami's name began to be mentioned by other border commanders. Some saw him as an emerging talent, others as an opportunist with no respect for traditional rules.
Yami knew he was walking a thin line between glory and condemnation… but in a world forged by war, where Qin's internal politics were as lethal as Wei's swords, those who hesitated were the first to fall.