Chapter 03: Attending the Banquet

Long Chen could not help but smile; he realized that he might have indeed gone a bit too far earlier. After all, it was someone who had carried him back. Otherwise, who knows what unexpected events might have occurred while he was unconscious? Perhaps he would have crossed over to this world without even getting a glimpse of it, only to end up confusedly entering another world.

Every month, there are three instances to engage in some activities; during the remaining time, if there are no military operations, there is essentially not much to do.

Hu Meng stood up and said, "Alright, you rest for now. Call me if you need anything." With that, he prepared to leave without looking back

The commander of our Tieshan Division is the godson of our great leader, General Mao

However, in the case of Long Chen's challenge against several opponents, it was evident that he had clearly crossed the red line. Once that threshold is surpassed, the enforcement team must intervene.

Life in the barracks is dull and monotonous, yet the incident where Long Chen dealt with Hu Meng and later took down General Liu has been repeatedly discussed by everyone as a topic of conversation for quite some time

Long Chen raised his eyebrows; the voice was high-pitched yet steady, expansive yet orderly, indicating that its owner had cultivated internal martial arts and had also reached a beginner's level.

However, tonight there is finally something to do. The last time I was taken down by General Liu, he is now inviting me for drinks. In fact, he should have invited me a few days ago, but he underestimated the power of Long Chen's knife-hand strike. His neck was twisted for quite a while, resembling a case of a stiff neck, before it finally recovered. Only then did he send someone to invite Long Chen for drinks.

Indeed, however, in this day and age, there is hardly any army in the Ming Dynasty that is fully staffed, let alone our garrison stationed in a foreign land. As for the Koreans, they are of no use to you; any refugees, as long as they are Han people, everyone is eager to take them in, scrambling to add them to their own ranks. You see, with you included, I currently have just five people, which is still considered a relatively large number here

You previously mentioned that we are from the Tieshan Division of Dongjiang Town, so our commander is Mao Wendong, right? Long Chen is quite interested in this point

This must be the Dragon Brother, as I have heard many people mention you these past few days. Indeed, heroes emerge from youth.

... ...

What is the background of General Liu's banner

Long Chen finally understood why less than half of the soldiers outside were armored. This type of army was likely similar in nature to a guerrilla force, where the number of personnel and equipment could not be synchronized at all. Reflecting on history, when Mao Wenlong requested funds from the Ming court, he initially claimed to have 100,000 troops, which was then reduced to 50,000, and ultimately the Ming court determined the actual number of soldiers to be 20,000. The nature of this guerrilla-like armed force had a significant discrepancy in numbers, as some believed that a man holding a knife was a soldier, while others believed that only those who were armored and trained could be called soldiers.

Mao Youjun smiled as he patted Liu Dezong's hand, saying, "Ah, Dezong's skills are something I will never forget. If you invite me to dinner, I will definitely come.

Long Chen nodded. This year is the seventh year of the Tianqi era, and it will also mark the first year of the Chongzhen era. The Tianqi Emperor is about to pass away, and Zhu Youjian will transition from the Prince of Xin to the Emperor. Meanwhile, the Ming Dynasty is beginning its countdown to the seventeen-year demise.

Liu Dezhong rubbed his hands together, smiled, and nodded. He personally brought in a basin of game from the small kitchen outside, the aroma of the meat wafting through the air, making it hard to resist licking one's fingers. Following that, Liu Dezhong brought in another basin of braised mixed fish, a large pot filled to the brim.

Long Chen nodded, if it weren't for your urgent need to conscript soldiers, you probably wouldn't have carried me back

A hint of surprise flashed in Mao Youjun's eyes. According to what he had heard before, Long Chen should merely be a martial artist with some skill in literary arts. However, the words just spoken reflected a sense of moderation and balance, clearly indicating that he was someone who understood the nuances of advance and retreat. It seems that seeing is indeed more convincing than hearing.

Alright, I understand. Long Chen waved his hand, indicating that he had finished asking.

General Liu's face lit up with joy as he tugged at Long Chen's sleeve, "Quick, come with me to pay our respects to the general"

Hu Meng was momentarily taken aback, then shook his head, "It's nothing, we are all Han people. When we see someone in trouble, how can we not lend a hand? No need to mention thanks, I will take my leave now"

"Come, come, I am really hungry. Everyone, let’s go inside and see what delicious food De Zong has prepared for us," Mao Youjun greeted, leading everyone into the house

Long Chen is not someone who is inflexible; he immediately learned to salute and pay his respects like General Liu.

There should be ten people under the little flag bearer

"By the way, what do soldiers do during peacetime?" Long Chen really did not know what soldiers were supposed to do in ancient times

Do you know the current era name? Since it is the Ming Dynasty, let's first ask which emperor it is

I am a rough and unrefined person, accustomed to recklessness, and have never adhered to any rules. Now that I have entered this military camp, I still do not know how to restrain myself, causing so many embarrassing incidents, which truly makes the general laugh at me. Reflecting on it now, I feel deeply ashamed. Dragon Chen displayed a look of panic.

Come sit here, I have something I want to discuss with you. Since it has been confirmed that I have arrived in a different era, I must grasp the basic information of this era.

Isn't that so? Most of the people in the army are those who fled from Liaodong, suffering greatly. They have been mistreated by the damned Jianzhou and have no way to survive, so they came to Korea to join General Mao. By following General Mao, at least they can secure a meal.

Upon entering the room, Mao Youjun noticed that there were only a few small dishes on the table, yet he did not display any sign of disappointment. Instead, he smiled and pointed at Liu Dezong, saying, "I have already arrived, why are you still hiding things from me? Hurry up, having stayed in the mountains of North Korea for so long, the one suffering the most is this mouth of mine."

"Dezong, I have been delayed by some matters, I apologize for keeping you waiting for so long." A cheerful voice came from outside the room

Hehe, is it up to General Liu to decide whether to arrest himself

Not only did Mao Youjun express surprise, but even Liu Dezong beside him wore a look of astonishment. Could this naive young man really utter such words? It seems I have truly misjudged him.

But now, everyone knows that this newcomer, the pretty boy, is skilled, so naturally no one dares to provoke him. When it comes time to get food, those with good eyesight will see Long Chen coming from a distance and will call out: "Oh, Brother Long is here to get food, come stand in front of us, brothers"

General Liu's residence is significantly more spacious than that of Long Chen, consisting of two rooms: a bedroom and a reception room that also serves as a dining area. Outside the house, a small shed has been constructed, equipped with a stove. Individuals of General Liu's status do not need to go to the mess hall like ordinary soldiers to collect rations; they always have ways to procure some provisions. They can even set up a small kitchen to cook their own dishes and enjoy a bit of fine wine to enhance their meals.

Oh dear, ancestor, do you have any other matters to discuss

Liu Dezong hurriedly said he did not dare, but the glimmer in his eyes was impossible to erase. As the chief banner officer, he could oversee the Iron Mountain Department's law enforcement team and even sit on equal footing with the various hundred households. Was it not due to the support of Mao Youjun that he could achieve this

"Avoid mentioning it, avoid mentioning it, how can one casually speak the name of Commander Mao? We are indeed following Commander Mao." Hu Meng was alarmed to see Long Chen so casually uttering the name of their commander.

Haha, look, Emperor Dezong never disappoints me. Let's start eating. Mao Youjun personally distributed the bowls and chopsticks, taking the lead in starting the meal. The others quickly followed suit, including the two guards, who also sat down at the table to eat. It seems they are also trusted subordinates of General Mao, holding a high position.

Indeed, the prohibition of alcohol; I have just reported it to the law enforcement team. General Liu's expression was one of seriousness

General Mao

Hehe, is this Iron Mountain located in North Korea

The soldiers of the Iron Mountain Division live in collective housing, with several individuals sharing a single room. Only those above the rank of junior flag officer have their own independent quarters. However, Long Chen has effectively taken over Hu Meng's room, and Hu Meng does not dare to say much; he simply accepts it and can manage by squeezing in with others.

Only now did Long Chen clearly see the appearance of the visitor. Dressed in a robe, he was tall with a square face, exuding an air of sharp intelligence. However, he was also enveloped in a hint of the authority of a higher-up, which, though subtle, was enough to instill fear. Behind this person stood two guards, each displaying a fierce demeanor, clearly seasoned warriors who had been through many battles.

Today marks the seventh year of the reign of Emperor Tianqi

Speaking of him, his background is quite significant. It is said that he was once a personal guard of General Mao, having followed him through life-and-death situations. Out of old affection, General Mao assigned him to a position as a chief flag officer, overseeing the law enforcement team. The several hundred household leaders in the camp would treat Chief Liu with utmost respect, and no one dared to show any disrespect.

As for his own junior officer Hu Meng and four other colleagues, upon seeing Long Chen, they scurried away like mice fleeing from a cat. This made Long Chen feel as if he were not in a military camp, but rather had become a prison bully in a jail.

Wait a moment

Hu Meng slowly turned his head and asked, "Is there anything else related to the illustrations and books?"

Unlike the armies of later dynasties, which engaged in daily drills and a series of political education activities, making life quite fulfilling, the ancient times did not have such programs. When military discipline was lax, even drills were often skipped, leaving a group of men with no outlet for their energy, leading to fights. In such cases, the officials generally turned a blind eye, as long as no significant disturbances were caused

This person is Mao Youjun, the commander of the Tieshan Division. General Mao has taken in over twenty adopted grandsons, among whom Mao Youjun stands out as a prominent figure and is highly regarded by Mao Wenlong. Otherwise, he would not have been in charge of the Tieshan Division, equivalent to a high-ranking official in Dongjiang Town.

Many people believe that internal martial arts are superior to external martial arts, considering them to be the pinnacle of achievement. However, this is not the case. For instance, the external combat techniques honed in the military, like those of Long Chen, can hold their own even against masters of internal martial arts. All roads lead to Rome; it ultimately depends on the level of mastery one attains.

Long Chen entered the room and sat by the bed, while Hu Meng stood at a distance, resembling a wronged young wife, appearing very cautious.

I am just a small flag, small flag, hee hee

Thank you for saving me

"Brother Long, please wait a moment; there is still one person who has not arrived yet," General Liu said apologetically, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect.

Upon finishing his speech, Liu Dezhong saluted the person outside the door, saying: "I am Liu Dezhong, here to pay my respects to the general"

Long Chen entered the room and saw that several small dishes had already been arranged on the dining table, but the most eye-catching was still that jar of aged white liquor

"What official position do you hold?" In Long Chen's view, this Hu Meng could be considered somewhat of a minor leader.

Sigh. Hu Meng shuffled over, carefully placing his backside against the edge of the bed

Isn't alcohol prohibited in the camp?" Long Chen pointed at the jar of old white liquor and smiled