Chapter One, Prince Li Xingzhou of the Xiao Kingdom
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Each battalion of the Imperial Guard is fully staffed with 100 men; however, this particular battalion only has 84 men. It is divided into two companies, each consisting of 40 men, along with a battalion commander, a deputy battalion commander, and two military instructors.
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The leader saw that they understood the importance of the matter, nodded slightly, and continued: "Furthermore, the person leading each contingent is a royal offspring personally appointed by the Emperor, of noble status, and must not be treated lightly. Remember, you must not offend the nobility later, or your lives will be in jeopardy"
"Everyone... everyone, may I report my illness today?"
I am also very anxious inside
There are also those who secretly curse, wondering if the Emperor has become senile, how could he make such a decision
Are you seeking death? This is the sacred command of His Majesty. To feign illness is to defy the imperial edict, which warrants the punishment of exterminating nine generations!
Both the court and the common people are filled with grievances yet feel powerless, and can only keep their distance with respect
At this point, everyone became tense, their breathing grew noticeably heavier, and no one dared to speak or jest; under the sacred decree, no one dared to laugh
The Seventh Army of the Divine Martial Second Division was not originally a cavalry unit. As for the reason for its reassignment to the Seventh Army, it is well known to those with insight, as the commander of the Seventh Army is none other than Yang Jianye, the only son of General Yang, the esteemed commander of the Imperial Guard.
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The sun rises in the east, the morning light is gentle, the air is filled with an early chill, and the frost on the tips of the grass has yet to dissipate
Oh no, it's over, this is the end...
Di Zhi's heart was filled with fear, trembling and cautious, as if walking on thin ice, uncertain of what the future held
"Move more swiftly, or you will be left to endure the midday sun," shouted the captain, weaving through the crowd with a whip in hand.
"Captain, please inform us about which prince or royal descendant we are to receive. We brothers are also prepared for this." Suddenly, someone spoke from below.
Scattered laughter echoed all around, "I also want to, but I haven't been on a horse for years, and I really can't get going..."
At this time, the end of the year is approaching, but the armor weighs around 30 to 40 pounds. Although it is not as heavy as the 50 to 60 pounds of infantry armor, it can become stiflingly hot under the midday sun.
Do not speak too much; if the young master hears it later, you will suffer!" Saying this, he turned the horse's head: "Silence, form up and set off to the Prince of Xiao's residence!
Before long, the troops were finally organized, with the armor gleaming and the spears standing tall.
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A group of cavalrymen gradually emerged from the camp, clad in fiery red armor, with an array of swords and spears. Under the sunlight, they shimmered brilliantly, exuding an impressive aura; however, each of them bore a tense expression, looking dejected and dispirited
Before long, everything will be thrown into chaos, with everyone lamenting and each person feeling anxious about their own safety
The Crown Prince Li Xingzhou of the Xiao Kingdom is quite famous in the capital
The young captain, named Di Zhi, was evidently somewhat angry, pointing at the people and scolding: "Useless! Lazy and sluggish. If I had not anticipated this, I would have ordered you to prepare half an hour earlier this morning; at that time, the superior would surely blame you."
This immediately elevated the calamity of the capital to the level of a national public enemy. Because Wang Lianshan was indeed too famous, although she was a woman, her reputation was far-reaching. Her accomplishments in poetry and prose were astonishing, and she was regarded as a talented woman in the capital. Her poems and verses were sung everywhere, both within and outside the capital, and throughout the country in various taverns and entertainment venues.
However, as soon as he spoke, the place fell silent; everyone exchanged glances, and the atmosphere became momentarily heavy.
The leader was finally satisfied: "Not bad!"
At this time, the end of the year is approaching, coinciding with the imminent 90th birthday of the Empress Dowager, a double joy arrives. The Son of Heaven is greatly pleased and has personally ordered the commander in front of the palace to dispatch the imperial guards to patrol the capital, in order to strengthen the military's prestige and demonstrate the royal authority. Even the Governor of the Capital, Lord He Zhao, must cooperate with these arrangements
Countless talented individuals and distinguished heirs admire her greatly, serving her diligently in hopes of winning her heart. Yet, with a decree from the Emperor, the most beautiful flower in the world has been placed upon the most foul and repugnant dung of Li Xinghe, causing countless people to lament and grieve, wishing they could tear Li Xingzhou to pieces and grind his bones to dust.
To display royal majesty, General Yang ordered the mobilization of troops from various places, managing to assemble a cavalry force by temporarily requisitioning skilled cavalrymen from other armies, transforming their infantry into cavalry under the command of his son. With over one hundred thousand imperial troops, it was still possible to find more than two thousand skilled cavalrymen.
Several months ago, the Emperor unexpectedly mentioned during a grand banquet for the ministers the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Wang, Wang Lianshan, who is virtuous and talented, intelligent and graceful. He personally declared that she would be betrothed to the heir of Prince Xiao, Li Xingzhou
Speaking loudly as he approached, he said: "Usually, we are all brothers, and I have turned a blind eye to your laxity and procrastination. However, today is different. Firstly, it is the Emperor's sacred decree, and any carelessness could cost you your wealth and life"
When it comes to this matter, the crowd began to whisper among themselves. In fact, everyone is aware that the Emperor's actions are intended to demonstrate the majesty of the royal family. Therefore, during the inspection of the 25 districts of the Seventh Army, each district is led by a royal offspring.
After receiving the imperial decree, Commander Yang Hongzhao of the Front Command ordered the Seventh Army of the Divine Martial Army to patrol the capital, personally overseeing the operation. This was done both to comply with the imperial order and to deter any mischief, ensuring that no disturbances would arise during the year-end period
It is unfortunate that Li Xingzhou not only lives well, but also grows increasingly arrogant and overbearing due to the favor he enjoys, showing no signs of restraint, which infuriates many to the point of gritting their teeth yet feeling helpless.
Di Zhi observed that all the brothers were eager to know. After hesitating for a long time, he finally spoke loudly: "This time, the one leading me is His Highness the Crown Prince of Prince Xiao. For this inspection, His Majesty has already appointed him as the General of Zhaowu. Everyone should remember this well and must not offend the noble person with their words"
A young man named Yuan in the middle of the story shook his head, but he no longer cursed.
It is no wonder they are like this; although the Imperial Guard is not a disorganized militia, they have not engaged in battle for many years, with three to five years passing without a place to demonstrate their skills. In daily life, there is little training, and in reality, they are merely for show
Indeed, this horse is more precious than a person's life, yet it is not allowed to be ridden every day
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Everyone in the world says that if she were not a daughter, it would be easy for her to sing her name at the Donghua Gate
Within the green brick walls, dozens of riders are not the elite of the battlefield. Their scales are covered in dust, and their swords and spears are coated with brass powder, giving them a glittering appearance that is ostentatious yet impractical, clearly more for show than for use. Their armor and saddles are not donned with skill, and their actions are marked by a great deal of procrastination and carelessness
The surroundings were bustling with activity, as armor was donned and horses were prepared, complemented by the chilling swords and blades sheathed nearby, which instantly infused the air with a heightened sense of murderous intent
The people of the capital spoke of his transformation with disdain, for he was a thoroughgoing wastrel, indulging in pleasures and excesses, domineering and tyrannical, rampaging through the countryside, bringing harm to the common folk. He Zhaojun, the governor of Kaiyuan, even submitted multiple memorials to the court regarding this matter, yet the emperor, due to his fondness for the past deeds of Prince Xiao, showed him favor and turned a blind eye to his misdeeds
In name, there is no restraint; the command authority still lies with the chief. They follow the orders of Yang Jianye, the commander of the Seventh Army, yet how could a mere chief dare to defy the princes and grandsons of the emperor, whom they have never encountered in their lifetime
I... I don't want to do it anymore, boo hoo
Di Zhi'an sighed, having long anticipated this outcome. When he first heard the commander mention this matter, he felt as if his heart had turned to ashes. Born into poverty, he had come this far through his own abilities. Lacking the means to curry favor with his superiors, he could only resign himself to fate