Chapter 10, Brave young men on the battlefield

The biting cold of the twelfth lunar month is even more unbearable in the water; almost as soon as one’s clothes become wet, the chill penetrates to the bones. However, the three thousand soldiers pressed forward without hesitation, not a single one faltered, and not even one turned back to glance at the reviewing stand.

After the messenger served tea and sent the guests away, Lai San returned to the barracks. He removed the elaborate garments he had worn during the meeting and took off the jade ornaments that adorned his body from head to toe, changing into a simple cotton uniform and padded old cloth shoes, feeling quite comfortable. The soldiers, having recovered from the shock of seeing him return accompanied by many people, dressed in splendid attire on a tall horse, gradually gathered around him, chattering and inquiring.

"Oh?" Mu Yanling glanced at him.

Mu Yanling raised his head to meet Chen Dinglei's gaze, smiling broadly as he said, "I truly feel a bit uneasy entrusting this to others; it seems that the city defense this January will have to trouble Lord Chen!"

"I... I..." He wanted to say something, but it seemed as if his throat was glued shut, and he could not utter a word

"Ah?" Lai San was taken aback; he truly was so intoxicated that he had lost all awareness, thinking he had returned to the barracks. Little did he know he had been brought to the Wang residence. Could it be that this place... is the fated boudoir?

Two delicate and smooth fingers suddenly pressed against his lips, and Yue Tianyi was very close to him, saying: "You must hit the target! Because you have no way out, Third Brother, do not say anything else, just remember this: you have no way out, you must hit the target!"

Lai San arrived at the foot of the city tower, and the newly risen morning sun illuminated his splendid armor, making it shine brilliantly, as if even his not-so-tall figure had been elongated somewhat. Beyond that, nothing else was discernible

One should not draw the bow too early, for doing so will cause one's hands to tremble. Nor should one draw it too late, as that will lead to confusion of the mind and eyes. It should be neither too early nor too late, taking large strides at a measured pace, perfectly in accordance with the form. At this moment, Lai San arrived at the gate, his figure steady and unwavering, perfectly in accordance with the form.

Then... Uncle Mu, could you kindly teach him how to govern properly

Oh... Hehe, is that so? Lai San felt that his throat was both bitter and dry

When the icy water splashed, some people instinctively shrank back, causing the team to immediately fall into disarray. Jing Chi did not turn his head but slowly said, "You should all understand what kind of person the Duke is. You should also be aware that he will not be looked down upon by others. Those who wish for the Duke to no longer be underestimated, and who want him to stand tall and dignified in front of those esteemed gentlemen, continue to follow me"

Yue Tianyi slightly raised her head, gazing at the colorful ball high above, and softly said: "Mu Yanling indeed possesses many powers that are difficult for me to reach. This move is truly unexpected, and after learning about it, I feel quite troubled."

The officials of the Grand Council swallowed hard, yet were unable to do anything, and ordered the trumpet to be sounded.

"Supreme Treasure, all-out attack!" For a long time, this phrase became a source of encouragement for the people of Jingzhou, and it also became a military order on the battlefield for this faction.

"I do not understand military affairs, and I have embarrassed the imperial envoy!" As Yue Tianyi spoke, her voice was soft and gentle, and her unique temperament made her sound more like an ordinary girl, which only served to highlight her elegance and nobility.

"Esteemed gentlemen, what other performances would you like to see?" Lai San tilted his neck, looking at the group of people beside him, his pride beyond description.

Yue Tianyi walked to a place very close to Lai San before stopping, smiling as he looked at him

Mu Yanling sighed again, truly the will of heaven knows how to choose its timing

Mu Yanling was equally dumbfounded; this outcome was completely beyond his imagination. He had summoned the envoys to witness this, intending to show them how ridiculous the rumors circulating in the court about the Duke of Chang'an being exceptionally brave and skilled in military strategy were. But now, looking at it, how many truly brave and skilled military strategists are there? And which of those who are proficient in military strategy and exceptionally brave could achieve such a feat?

I just heard that Vice Envoy Zhang Mores fainted, and Mu Yanling merely smiled. Now hearing that the Duke of Chang'an is exceptionally brave and skilled in military strategy, he suddenly burst into laughter

Yue Tianyi smiled brightly and gently said, "Really? Uncle Mu, is he... that good?"

The soldiers below stared blankly at their sentry, forgetting their whispers, forgetting to stamp their feet and clap their hands. The fierce and honorable spirit that coursed through the veins of the men from Dingxi seemed to rise inexplicably. Today's sentry appeared different from usual, yet they could not articulate what exactly was different.

Yue Tianyi certainly knew that he was currently in a state of rage. The two of them no longer needed to conceal anything from each other; their sole purpose was to see the other dead, and this fundamental point could not be altered. Everything else was merely trivial. Thus, Mu Yanling let out a low, cold laugh, and his gaze towards Yue Tianyi was already imbued with a chilling sharpness akin to a blade.

"Third Brother, are you afraid?" Yue Tianyi suddenly asked as he watched him fidgeting, shifting his hands and feet from one position to another.

"It is not literally spat out from a bird's beak; it is merely said that the appearance of the tea leaves resembles a bird's tongue, and this tea is aptly named 'sparrow's tongue!'" Lai San turned around and took out a jar from his bag, saying, "I brought back the leftover tea for everyone to taste! Lao Liao, send someone to boil some water!"

As the personnel from the ceremonial office respectfully bowed and exited, Mu Yanling's eyes flashed with a cold light: "Insatiable greed!" He spoke with a hint of disdain.

A number of officials in the stands have begun to sense that something is amiss, and the sound of whispered conversations gradually rises. Initially, these individuals engage in hushed discussions, while the onlookers among the common people become even more unruly, quietly inquiring among themselves, with a greater element of amusement in their observations.

He should have stood up long ago, but the Duke stepped over him, and countless officials were gazing at the river, with hardly anyone looking at him. He had no choice but to stand up by himself; otherwise, he would lose all face. How strange it is that he knelt down for the Duke's sake, and if the Duke were to help him up, he would be respected by everyone. If ignored, he would have no way to step down.

Jing Chi remained as steadfast as a green pine. He took a step forward, bowed slightly, clasped his fists, and responded in a calm and resonant voice, "Yes!" Then he spoke in a very low voice, "In a moment, as long as there is one person who remains unmoved, you must not call for a stop!"

The square is in a state of excitement. In the past, the archery display at the gate was not as beautiful as this; when the colored balls were shot, they simply fell down without any further spectacle. How could there be such a scene where half the sky is enveloped in countless golden stars?

Ah... this, hehe... I...

Very well, I understand. You may return and have Lord Cheng send someone to take good care of the Deputy Envoy. The date for the conferral of the title will be decided once the Deputy Envoy's health improves

The onlookers were initially taken aback, but soon many could not help but erupt in thunderous applause! If you were to mention something like "enhancing our national prestige and boosting our morale," the officials would certainly remember it, but it would be unlikely for the soldiers and the common people to keep it on their lips. However, this phrase was truly delightful, easy to remember, and quickly spread throughout the entire square.

"Come back! The Grand Historian has spoken! Such an army is undoubtedly a fierce and formidable force, and we no longer need any displays!" The army slowly retreated amidst the cheers, moving like waves.

Zhang Mo suddenly stood up at the end of the chapter, his excessive excitement causing his voice to become sharp and unpleasant: "Duke of Chang'an! Truly remarkable! Duke of Chang'an! Truly remarkable!"

A chaotic group of officials stood casually, and in the face of such an army, they seemed to feel no need for solemnity, their expressions akin to those of the onlookers, as if they were merely giving you face

What should I do? What should I do?

Mu Yanling's gaze suddenly narrowed, and his expression was so dark that it seemed one could wring water from it

Returning to the viewing platform against the will of heaven, her expression remained calm from beginning to end. After sitting in the central position that the envoy had yielded to her, she softly expressed her gratitude, causing the not-so-old Vice Minister of Rites, Zhou Jin, to clear his throat before he could divert his gaze.

Yue Tianyi turned around to look at him, and after a moment, she smiled slightly and said, "Third Brother, thank you!"

The more this is the case, the more it proves that the Duke of Chang'an possesses extraordinary qualities that are not immediately apparent. The identity of the Duke of Chang'an is detailed in Mu Yanling's report, describing him as a mere sixth-rank military official, with an ordinary family background, neither prominent nor wealthy. Marrying the Princess of Chang'an is indeed a significant elevation! It is important to understand that marrying this last remaining daughter of the Yue family, the Princess of Chang'an, represents more than just the superficial prestige of having a noble wife. As has been noted, in the future, the title of Duke of Dingxi will likely be inherited by the descendants of the Princess of Chang'an and the Duke, and it is not impossible for the Duke to be directly granted the title.

At this moment, everyone's gaze followed her footsteps, and the venue was momentarily silent. If it were an ordinary person being watched by so many, with so many waiting for her alone, they would likely feel anxious, or at least walk a bit faster. However, she continued to stroll leisurely, taking steps that were neither too big nor too small, neither hurried nor slow, as if each step was in sync with her heartbeat. The two envoys from the court, Zhou Jin and Zhang Mo, fixed their eyes intently on her silhouette. From the front, they already found the Princess of Chang'an to be extraordinarily beautiful, but from the back, they felt even more that she was unparalleled in grace and elegance

The aroma of tea depends on how it is brewed. Throwing a small canister of tea leaves into a few sips of a large vat is no different from tossing it into a pond; it yields no flavor at all. Lai San guarded the last bit, refusing to let it be added to the water, shouting, "Leave some for the soldier! Leave some for the soldier! You little rascals, you are showing too little respect for the officer!"

The venue suddenly fell silent. Not a sound could be heard!

"Brother Jing!" he said cheerfully, "I knew that no cook could resist stealing; I found everything they had hidden! There are still two jars of wine, ha ha. Come on, get up and have something to eat!"

Countless onlookers gathered in large numbers, and fortunately, the Victory Gate was specifically designed for military reviews, providing ample space so that it did not appear overcrowded. On the city walls, officials of various ranks came to witness the military formation ceremony, while the military song "Exterminate the Hu" was played repeatedly, adding a sense of solemnity to the occasion

"We do not engage in any form of performance, nor do we require any such performance. Now, follow me, the entire army, left face, march forward! If you did not hear the order from Captain Zhiguo, continue marching forward!"

"Don't speak, so many people are watching!" Liao Tianming murmured softly

Yue Tianyi smiled gently and said, "Wait a moment, I will go and say a word to him."

Uncle Mu is willing to teach him with all his might

With the command "Stop advancing!" from the Captain, the soldiers halted abruptly. Jing Chi, who was at the forefront, had already submerged his shoulders in the water, and those following him were also half immersed in the river.

He has never been this focused in his entire life

As he took a step back, Lai San felt his eyes filled with hot tears. He was not someone who cried easily; after all, he was a man, and given his life experiences, if he were prone to tears, he would have cried to death many times over. He was generally always smiling, yet fate had compelled him several times to feel the urge to weep, just like this time, when he once again lost control and let the tears flow.

A heavy snowfall occurred a few days ago, and although the weather has been clear these past two days, it remains exceptionally cold. Even standing in an open area, one feels frighteningly cold despite being bathed in warm sunlight

The ceremonial officer issued another command. With this command, four strong soldiers, who had long been prepared, swung their arms in the largest arc possible, and the mallets in their hands struck the enormous military drum, which required five people to encircle it.

Lai San was puzzled and was about to ask for clarification, but Jing Chi had already taken a step back from him, simultaneously placing his hands together and bowing deeply until he was nearly on the ground

The envoy Zhou Jin and the eunuch Zhang Mo had already stood up. As soon as they arrived, they wished to see Princess Chang'an, but were informed that the princess was unwell and needed to rest quietly, and could only meet with Duke Chang'an. However, it now appears that Princess Chang'an does not seem to show any signs of illness.

The envoy from the court, Deputy Minister of Rites Zhou Jin, was left dumbfounded. He watched as the disheveled group he had just scorned suddenly transformed into fierce wolves and tigers. He even experienced an illusion, as if with just a command from the Duke of Chang'an, this mere three thousand men could tear everything apart, including the court he took pride in, which could not be stopped.

A faint blush rose on Yuetian's face, and she slightly lowered her head: "I didn't think that much... I, I just know him, we..."

"Unexpected complications are always troublesome; I cannot allow a trivial matter to ruin my plans. Since the court wishes to witness the extraordinary bravery and military expertise of the Duke of Chang'an, on the day of the army's formation, let the envoys and officials come to observe." After saying this, a smile lingered at the corners of his mouth, though it had transformed into a hint of sarcastic coldness.

The Princess of Chang'an has come to attend the ceremony

The section of the Little Bei River outside the city appears to be more turbulent than those painted boats within the city at m.hetushucom.com, looking ancient yet tranquil, flowing slowly as we watch this parade, reminiscent of a monkey show.

Lai San felt somewhat discouraged, yet he had no choice but to let go of her hand. He tossed and turned restlessly, and surprisingly, Chen Dinglei had been there all along. It would have been one thing if he didn't know, but now that he did, he could no longer bear to let others see him in such a state.

This person, who is temporarily cramming to learn archery, aims to shoot at a level of difficulty that no general has ever attempted in any previous military ceremony

After such a long preparation, what he truly needs is this very moment! Countless nights echo in his heart, the sound of a single arm hanging from a tree, the desperate cries of struggle seem to resonate within him once more. Everything else has been done for him by this army, but this matter is something he has done for this army! Shoot down the colored balloons, open the gate, and seize a good omen

He possesses no other abilities, only the capacity to use his own composure to suppress the chaos of three thousand people, achieving whatever level he can

"Well... I suppose it's okay." Lai San said reluctantly. He wanted to say he wasn't afraid, but in front of Yue Tianyi, he couldn't put on a facade. At this moment, he truly felt better, at least much improved compared to earlier. The arrival of this woman seemed to inject a kind of energy into him; although they had only engaged in aimless small talk for a few moments, the feeling of tension in his heart had indeed eased significantly.

He had not finished speaking when Yue Tianyi let out a faint sigh: "Then he is merely a man of martial prowess, unfit to manage state affairs. He possesses some courage and is willing to endure hardships, which is why I said he would be competent in managing the city's defenses; however, for other significant matters, we still need to rely on Uncle Mu's guidance"

Mu Yanling readily agreed without any hesitation, expressing his loyalty once again. After all, he was from Dingxi and had not yet become accustomed to the endless round of formalities typical of the Daxing era. He was already somewhat impatient with the pretentiousness of Yue Tianyi.

Lai San thought to himself, "It looks one way from the outside, but inside, I think it looks different, though I haven't seen it!" When he was taking off his clothes, he wished that Zhang Mo would be bold enough to take them off with him; he was genuinely curious and really wanted to see. However, Zhang Mo was not as shameless as he was, and in the end, his wish did not come true.

Only when the dice showed three bright red sixes did it match his current mood, so he had no second sentence to express his feelings.

His attire today is simply blinding, as if he is coated in silver. The helmet shines like a large pearl, each piece of armor reflects light like fish scales, adorned with bright silver boots. His waist is cinched with a belt that resembles a beam of light, and even the quiver hanging from his horse's back is silver, with the shafts of the feathered arrows painted in silver.

Such an army, even if the military affairs of Dingxi have declined, has not been seen for a hundred years

"I am afraid," said Yue Tianyi淡淡. "If you cannot hit your target, you will not be able to form an army. Without your troops to support us, Xue Ju may not act as he promised. Moreover, without your three thousand men to restrain him, I would not dare to deploy his five thousand men at critical moments. Thus, everything could potentially collapse, my great vengeance would remain unfulfilled, and you would have no place to be buried!"

Mu Yanling gazed at Yue Tianyi, who was quietly looking back at him. The two locked eyes, and Yue Tianyi's gaze was as deep as a bottomless pool, revealing no hint of emotion. In contrast, Mu Yanling's eyes flickered with various speculations, making it seem as if her gaze could draw away one's spirit. He could only lower his eyes slightly, unable to meet her gaze.

"I am willing to die for the Duke!" A tremendous shout suddenly erupted, as if by roaring this way, one could resist the biting cold and battle against the icy waters

I had no way of knowing about this matter in advance, and there was nothing I could do, so I do not blame you! You will likely find it very difficult to hit this colored ball, and that cannot be blamed on you either

"Hehehe..." Mu Yanling also laughed, "Isn't it the will of heaven that cannot be taken lightly? Naturally, it must be someone who accomplishes great things!" He made a joke using the name "Tianyi" from Yue Tianyi, referring to the meaning of heaven. Those present naturally understood, each revealing a kind smile. The young princess's face turned completely red, her shyness captivating.

A shadow emerged from behind the screen, revealing Mu Yanling's personal shadow guard. He whispered, "My lord, the deputy envoy is truly ill, not pretending."

Wearing armor in the military, there is no need for full formalities; this is the rule of the army. Even when facing the emperor, there is no ritual of kneeling. He cupped his hands in front of Lai San and bowed deeply, which was already a very solemn gesture.

The Princess of Chang'an has come to attend the ceremony

The way she softly called "him" was incredibly gentle, combined with her flower-like beauty, which suddenly stirred a deep sense of jealousy in Zhou Jin towards the Duke of Chang'an, driven by a man's instinct

At this moment, it seems as if a soul truly follows the arrow, and in the square filled with thousands of people, a sudden silence descends, as if death itself has taken hold, with not even a whisper of breath to be heard. Only a glimmer of silver passes by, and the small red target on the gate shatters with a bang!

"It's nothing, with so many people around, who can see us clearly?" said the hammer nonchalantly. Many shared the same sentiment, and low murmurs filled the crowd, though indistinct, they were as bothersome as the buzzing of mosquitoes

He focused intently, aimed, drew the bowstring, and even the sensation of his fingers did not feedback to his brain; the archery techniques that Yuetianyi had once taught him seemed to be imprinted in his soul, allowing him to execute them smoothly without the need to recall them.

Since there is no other way to go against the will of heaven, one can only resort to manipulation on the band. This indicates that this arrow must hit its target; otherwise, she cannot suppress the situation, nor can she help herself

The military formation ceremony is actually meaningless, taking a long time and not appealing to the onlooking citizens. The large crowd gathered to watch is actually there for the next step, the parade display following the ceremony

I can give it a try... Lai San struggled to utter these words

After the archery contest at the gate, without needing any prompting, Zhang Mo and Zhou Jin took the initiative to propose that the Duke of Chang'an be granted a title as soon as possible. This clearly indicates that Lai San's outstanding performance that day has intensified their eagerness to win him over.

He stopped to wipe away the sweat that had dripped from his forehead into his eyes, and that tiny red dot merged into one from two! So small, so distant, it seemed almost unattainable

As soon as the envoy arrived, he presented a welcoming gift of 200,000 taels of silver, without taking the time to entangle himself with them, preparing to provide enough at once. Originally, it was scheduled to confer the title three days later, aiming to complete the matter the day before the New Year. However, judging by the current situation, the deputy envoy still intended to negotiate a bit.

The unfortunate duke, although residing in the royal palace, was hardly at home during the day. When he returned at night, he would always find his wife engaged in lengthy discussions with other officials, either furrowing her brow in concern or exuding an air of triumph. During the day, those officials could not visit, so they could only meet at night. Not to mention the young princess, even the officials led by Chen Dinglei completely ignored him.

"Please have the officer shoot the colored ball and open the carriage door!" The official from the Palace of Ceremonial spoke once again

After Lai San scored the winning shot, he couldn't contain his excitement and exclaimed "Total victory!" He then reluctantly waited for the various ceremonies to conclude before rushing towards the stands. Still feeling like a small-time player, he had accomplished something remarkable, and the person he most wanted to impress was the woman he cherished.

Lai San seemed taken aback by his solemnity, unsure of how to proceed

"This is the royal residence! You fool! Where did you think you were?" Yue Tianyi said, "You have already been conferred a title, so living in the military camp would surely seem strange to the envoy. Naturally, you should return with me!"

At that moment, a sudden voice came from afar

Lai San's mind was completely closed off; he did not hear the cheers coming from the square. After nocking the arrow, he arrived at the foot of the gate with the rhythm of the horse's steps, as smooth as flowing clouds and flowing water.

"Right there! In the very center of the gate, at the top." The soldier pointed to a very small red dot above for Lai San to see. If he had not pointed it out, Lai San would not have noticed that there was a red dot there at all.

While Lai Sanzheng was joking and chatting with the soldiers, he was unaware of the deep frustration that Jing Chi felt alone in his barracks. Gu Ziqi entered the camp without any hindrance, and his contemptuous gaze struck Jing Chi like a heavy blow. A soldier's pride did not allow him to lead such a troop, and coming from a military family, this was more humiliating than anything else.

"Heaven's will? What are you talking about? What is going on?" Lai San asked in confusion

Mu Yanling looked at him for a long time before speaking in a deep voice: "No need! Such an army is undoubtedly a pack of tigers and wolves, and no further display is necessary!"

Even if the Duke has some thoughts in his heart, there is no opportunity for that

"Third brother, you should go to sleep first. I have something to attend to right now. Once I am sober from the alcohol, I will explain everything to you in detail." Yue Tianyi gently pushed him again, speaking in a tone as if coaxing a child.

The more she spoke, the paler Lai San's face became, and his body seemed to sway as if about to collapse. The fear that had just left his body surged back, suddenly rushing into him and taking over his entire being

At this moment, the entire square was immersed in the fervent atmosphere following the grand display of archery at the gate, with cheers ringing in the air. Even among the spectators, there were indeed many officials applauding. Zhang Mo was loudly exclaiming in a sharp voice near their ears, "The Duke of Chang'an is truly remarkable!" Mu Yanling and Yue Tianyi were sitting close together, making no significant movements, merely letting out a cold laugh, and their voices were low enough not to be noticed.

Lai San was suddenly flustered; she did not blame him and even said thank you! "But I might not be able to hit it, it's up to fate..."

Lai San's hands began to tremble involuntarily. He raised the longbow, attempting to aim, but it was futile; his hands shook violently. In such a condition, let alone hitting the target ball, he would likely struggle to even hit the gate post.

In such an occasion, as the esteemed Duke of Chang'an, he should address Jingchi by his official title, and he ought to say with great seriousness: "Dai Bingwei!" rather than waving his hand and calling out "Brother Jing!" Even if Jingchi were truly his elder brother, it would still be inappropriate to say so here, let alone the fact that Jingchi is merely a Bingwei, far inferior to his status as Duke.

"Duke! Please give the order to halt the troops!" Countless officials stood up, unable to contain their voices as they shouted.

Among all the officials seeking favors, none possess his sincerity, nor do any match his demeanor!

Jing Chi temporarily took over the position of the commander, and within a few days, he rapidly lost weight. Although he was not yet thirty years old, making him quite young among the generals, the seemingly frozen gaze in his eyes and his completely unperturbed expression were unmatched by ordinary people. This added to the imposing presence expected of a great general, making one feel that even if Mount Tai were to collapse before him, he would not show the slightest hint of panic

Not long after, Lai San entered his tent carrying a pile of items, then placed them on the table. Seeing that the notebook was in the way, he pushed it aside with a packet of food.

"Gentlemen, you may proceed. The military parade has begun." Mu Yanling smiled gently from the viewing platform, stood up first, and invited the envoys to go ahead. He followed behind, leading the officials from the city as they descended the steps of the city tower, slowly entering the square and stepping onto the review platform prepared specifically for them.

At that moment when Lai San met Mu Yanling's gaze, it felt as if every pore in his body was forcibly opened, and cold sweat poured down like a waterfall, all icy and chilling

How could he not be filled with rage when his intentions are openly disregarded?

Yes, Master Taishi, the scheduled date can only be postponed

Once again, it is about the city defense! Time and again, she is so insistent, refusing to give up on the matter of city defense under any circumstances. To her, entrusting the city defense to Lai San is no different from entrusting it to Chen Dinglei. However, this way, Mu Yanling loses the excuse she had against Lai San.

Jing Chi was raised in an exceptionally traditional military family, and at this moment, he had no confidence that this army was an exception, but he was willing to give it a try. For the duke who had saved his life and treated him like a brother, yet was completely unaware of his own identity, he had previously been willing to sacrifice his life; now, he was willing to sacrifice his deeply rooted beliefs.

"The one who shot the colorful arrows at the gate is my husband. I have come to take a look; please do not blame me, a mere border dweller, for my lack of etiquette." "Not at all!" Zhou Jin quickly replied, "I have long heard of the illustrious family of Prince Yue, where dragons and phoenixes abound. The princess is both cultured and martial; I am deeply envious. Please, take the seat of honor." Saying this, he vacated the central position where he was seated and invited Yue Tianyi to take her place.

The force of drawing the bow must raise the head, and the thighs should not leave the saddle. The right rib and the waist must exert force to push forward

Then he pulled the horn from his mouth and shouted with all his might: "The horn at the gate, strengthen the spirit of our army! To the First Army under the command of Captain Zhi Guo, on the 26th day of the twelfth month in the Guiyou year, outside the Victory Gate of Jingzhou, the army is formed!"

He turned his head and looked at the tattered notes that had fallen on the table, which were given to him by his grandfather, who was exceedingly pleased to know that he was going to practice military drills

Jing Chi's appearance today left the soldiers somewhat astonished. Usually, this soldier gives them a sense of strictness and a certain aloofness, as he tends to be hands-on and often appears anxious, which does not convey a sense of authority. However, at this moment, he stood on the command platform. His gaze was like the stars deep within the sky, distant, cold, and unwavering. Since he was acting in this role, the character "Jing" on the flag was white, resembling the cold northern winds that rush into one's sight.

Fortunately, the official at the Court of Rites was still able to act; he shouted loudly, "To the Prefect of the Imperial Guard, there is an order: cease advancing!

At this moment, Lai San's mind was completely rigid, as if the heavens were slowly approaching him, yet he felt an impulse to escape

Great, since that's the case, please let Uncle Mu start teaching him after the New Year. As you know, in the Yue family situation, the earlier he can hold his own, the better.

This is quite similar to how a typical young girl behaves when shy. Some older officials, such as Cheng Ruichang, who has known her since she was little, cannot help but smile while stroking their beards as they look at the princess, who is of an age similar to that of their own granddaughters

At this moment, after the prodigy in his heart shot this arrow, he only opened his eyes to see the sky full of golden stars, thinking that he was dizzy. It took a moment for him to realize from the cheers that he had struck lucky like a blind cat catching a dead mouse. Having wagered so much, he was now overjoyed and could not help but let out a thunderous shout: "Supreme Treasure, total kill"

Today's events were far beyond his expectations; everything he had meticulously arranged was unexpectedly unraveled by these two individuals. What was particularly surprising was that Lai San was able to hit the colored ball that no one else present today had any confidence in hitting! It was as if he had divine assistance! Could it really be that there are deities aiding him?

"Yes." Chen Dinglei replied in a low voice, his eyes focused on his nose, his nose focused on his mouth, never glancing at the bed, as if he had not heard anyone making a fuss there at all

"Go ahead and sleep!" Yue Tianyi gently pushed him.

A magnificent steed galloped in, with a knight on its back waving a flag and shouting loudly, circling the arena before running out again

"Who prepared this suit of armor for Commander Zhiguo?" On the stands, Chen Dinglei, amidst a chorus of cheers, could not help but ask. He had to raise his voice to ensure that Mu Yanling beside him could hear.

Lai San was extremely excited, raising his fists in both hands while on horseback, repeatedly exclaiming, "Ladies and gentlemen! Ladies and gentlemen! I have arrived!" With his response, the cheers grew even more deafening.

He is climbing up the pole here, preparing to finalize this matter. After all, it is his instinct to help whenever he can, as it aligns with the will of heaven.

"Your Excellency, what does the envoy of the court look like? Is he different from us people of Dingxi?"

He can no longer hold back and is about to shout for a stop without regard for anything, regardless of whether anyone else is unmoved. Fortunately, Mu Yanling is perceptive; in front of the public, he must still show a united front with him and demonstrate a deep affection for everything related to Dingxi.

Looking at him, even the usually disobedient hammer felt a bit guilty, unconsciously controlling itself to behave a little more properly

Several days have passed, and Zhang Mo's complexion remains poor, his face pale and breath short. Wrapped in a thick fur coat, he still feels cold. The morning wind is strong again, and he feels somewhat unable to endure it.

"I am willing to die for the Duke!" Jing Chi let out a low roar. At this moment, he did not mention the court, did not mention Dingxi, nor did he bring up any grandiose excuses, for he knew that this was not the belief of this army. What he referred to was merely that illiterate little rogue! Just that lowly-born little hoodlum.

Little did he know that this shout was indeed too loud. The three thousand soldiers under his command were looking at him with eager eyes. Upon hearing this, nearly half of them were unable to contain their excitement, and over a hundred people simultaneously shouted in response: "Supreme Treasure, kill them all!"

However, Sanzi is not accustomed to evasion; it is unclear whether this is due to a lack of significant experiences in his life or past experiences that have taught him that when faced with a situation, one cannot truly escape. In any case, he does not have the habit of avoiding challenges

Lai San is feeling much better now; with a beautiful woman by his side, how could he possibly sleep? He grimaced and forcefully pulled her hand over, exclaiming, "Oh dear, I feel so uncomfortable, I can't take it anymore, I feel like I might vomit. Dear sister, please help me rub my chest."

"You have returned just in time; Uncle Mu listens to you the most. Please help me persuade him. He is so ill and cannot be this sad". Yue Tianyi said to Lai San in a somewhat anxious tone, as if he truly cared about Mu Yanling.

It is indeed inappropriate to let women watch on the drill ground, but this is Dingxi. The barrier between men and women in Dingxi is not so strict. The princess wants to watch, and no one else has objected. How can outsiders like him interfere?

Jing Chi was already soaked through, but at this moment, his posture was as straight as an unyielding pillar. He looked at the cheering crowd around him, took a deep breath, took three steps forward, stood still, and slowly exhaled the breath that had already been drawn deep into his chest.

That is natural.

Since that's the case, we'll have to rely on everyone to share the burden of Uncle Mu's affairs," Yue Tianyi said with a smile to the other officials. "I wonder if you gentlemen would be willing to work a little harder this year?"

Mu Yanling sneered in her heart, but said with her mouth, "Of course, the county lord is an exceptional talent among thousands! With a little more training, he will surely become a great figure. The county princess truly has a discerning eye."

Yue Tianyi spoke in a soft voice, akin to that of Mu Yanling, saying, "The matter of city defense is both numerous and trivial. Managing this alone would leave no time for anything else. Uncle Mu, please assist the Duke in governance for a while, would that be alright?" Chen Dinglei fell silent for a moment, then looked up at Mu Yanling, who, upon hearing this, suddenly raised his head, his eyes glinting with an almost uncontainable coldness as he gazed at Yue Tianyi.

This beautiful woman, who is insincere, while saying that he is extremely unattractive, tucks the blanket for him. Because she has matters to attend to, she stands up to leave, yet her eyes are filled with deep reluctance

"That is wonderful. As a mere woman, I do not know what to say, and can only express my gratitude to Lord Mu on behalf of my late father." Saying this, she stood up and performed a respectful bow.

So... is the envoy from the court very imposing?

"Our family is waiting to see, Duke, please give the order." Zhang Mo rolled his eyes.

In order to allow these prominent figures to clearly see the results of the archery at the gate, the viewing platform was set directly opposite the gate, not far away. Furthermore, Yue Tianyi did not take a carriage, but instead walked slowly towards Lai San accompanied by two guards.

Yue Tian expressed his unwavering stance on this matter, showing no willingness to compromise, even in the presence of the envoy, fully aware that the issue of city defense had crossed his bottom line

Lai San was left speechless; is this the colored ball he is supposed to shoot? Others did not tell him it would be like this! Isn't this going against the norm? A red date placed atop a ten-zhang high gate, is this something an ordinary person can hit? Even those rare individuals in the army who can shoot a hundred paces with precision cannot guarantee they will hit every time, right?

Mu Yanling hurriedly rose to his feet, clasped his hands in a fist, and bowed deeply until he reached the ground, saying: "Your Highness, why do you speak in such a manner? The prince has shown me profound grace, and you are also my young master, as is the Duke. How could I not devote myself wholeheartedly? If you express gratitude for this matter, would it not diminish my fortune and longevity?"

"Boss, look, today Bingwei seems a bit more pleasing to the eye, looking quite presentable," said the soldier Hammer in a low voice to Liao Tianming in front of him.

Lai San is on horseback, with a remarkably stable lower body, his head tilted back, resembling the posture of shooting at the moon

In this moment, the soldiers were silent as they followed Jing Chi forward. Although their ranks were not aligned and their postures were not straight, each one walked with determination.

The sound of announcements continued to echo, and after seven people rushed over, the princess's golden chariot adorned with sparrow feathers slowly approached. The chariot came to a stop directly in the center of the venue, and Yue Tianyi stepped out from the carriage, making his way straight to the front of the viewing platform

Chen Dinglei cupped his hands and said, "Your servant is here."

Some matters can be compromised, but this one is non-negotiable. A chill surged in his eyes, and he straightened his body, declaring in a loud voice: "While there are no major issues with the city defense, it is still cumbersome. As a humble minister in a high position, I naturally must share the worries of my lord. When the lord is troubled, the minister is humiliated. How can such trivial matters of city defense trouble the Duke?"

The onlookers were silent, having not seen the procession or the archery, yet they witnessed something they had never even imagined. "We are willing to die for the Duke!" This phrase was shouted in unison by three thousand people, enough to shake the universe, leaving them in shock and devoid of any other thoughts.

At this moment, Mu Yanling's gaze was chillingly cold, and he did not even attempt to conceal his hostility towards Lai San. With a look full of animosity, he spoke words of praise, yet it was rarely seen as sincere

The timing of the fall was perfectly synchronized, so that the sound produced by the four individuals was but a single note. This note, akin to a muffled thunder, emanated from the drumhead and then detached from the snare drum, as if it transformed into a tangible entity, becoming a massive wheel that rolled slowly from near to far, until it reached the heavens, turning into a resounding thunder!

"It's passable." Lai San said, "He's not too imposing, but he tends to be long-winded when speaking, and his habits are a bit peculiar. He drinks tea that has been spit out from a bird's beak. We don't have this kind of tea here, but he brought a lot of it all the way from the capital."

Can you teach anytime? Will it not disturb Uncle Mu even during his rest time?

To the esteemed Commander of the Guodu, First Army Detachment, assemble the troops

To the First Division of the Left Army under the command of General Guo, form up and march!

Perhaps there is a form of telepathy, as at this moment, Yue Tianyi in the stands is also silently reciting this archery manual

However, it seemed that Yue Tianyi had no idea about these things at all, and said softly, "Mr. Chen."

Lai Sanyi leaped onto the horse, completely unaware of his riding skills. This time, his mounting action was clean, neat, and very impressive. At this moment, he truly didn't think about anything.

Cough.A low cough came from inside the room, followed by a man's voice whispering, "Princess, the matter has been discussed almost thoroughly. This humble servant will take his leave."

If the colored balls used for military purposes in the past are all this size, then at least more than half of the army will disband!

Regardless of the outcome, at least he has to give it a try! You can't just give up without trying once, and you can't let the efforts of our brothers go to waste in vain!

Someone chuckled softly in my ear and said coquettishly, "No, you have already been sold to someone. Tomorrow morning, you will be killed and eaten!"

So, this matter is something that must be fought for. If it can't be achieved in front of the envoy from Daxing, there's no need to consider it in private.

Then she gently leaned over, her warm breath brushing against Lai San's ear, and said again, "San Ge, thank you!" The voice was almost inaudible, but it reached Lai San's heart directly.

Yes, sir.

Yue Tianyi smiled faintly at the end of the chapter, as if to express gratitude, displaying a demeanor that was quite appropriate. At the same time, she nodded to Mu Yanling beside her, also smiling sincerely, as if this person were still a trusted minister and loyal subject she could rely on.

Mu Yanling turned to him, signaling for him to speak

"Jingzhou is the capital of Dingxi, the soul of Dingxi, and a place of strategic importance that must be contended for by military forces. This land was once the territory of barbarian tribes, who were bloodthirsty and regarded our Han people as mere pigs and dogs. Our ancestors were unwilling to accept this, our ancestors did not yield to this, and thus, they fought! The land beneath our feet has witnessed no fewer than one thousand battles, and every inch of this land is soaked in blood. Our ancestors paid an unimaginable price to reclaim this land from the barbarian tribes, establishing the foundation of Dingxi. Today, as we stand here, the heroic spirits of our ancestors are watching over us. Do you feel it?"

Old Mu is indeed a formidable figure; if one is to act, then one must do so thoroughly! At this moment, he actually knelt down! Such a loss is something he can afford! It is likely that anyone else would not have been able to do this. However, Lai San had completely lost interest in Mu Yanling; he stepped over Mu Yanling as if he had not even seen this important minister of Dingxi, and it would not be appropriate for him to perform such a heavy courtesy in front of the old prince. The trusted minister knelt before a mere lieutenant, yet Lai San simply stepped over him and waved vigorously in the distance.

After letting go of him, that hand was supposed to leave, but Lai San, with his eyes closed, held on tightly and grunted, asking, "Is it you, the will of heaven?" In fact, he had recognized this person's voice for quite some time, but he was simply reluctant to part with this tenderness, pretending to be in a daze.

Lai San's words made the scene even less dignified. He excitedly waved his hand and shouted loudly, "Brother Jing, let's begin!"

So that's how it is, no wonder this envoy is being so evasive, insisting on meeting the Duke of Chang'an before the conferment of the title

At this moment, the red dot on the gate had already become two! Lai San was so nervous that he began to see things blur.

He smiled faintly as he transcended Tianyi, then turned to Lai San and smiled again. Yue Tianyi also glanced at Lai San and then smiled at him. To outsiders, the atmosphere between the two seemed harmonious; in reality, Mu Yanling was conveying to her that even if she turned against him today, he would not immediately face defeat. Not to mention anything else, he had more than enough time to eliminate this person. Yue Tianyi returned his smile, indicating that she understood.

At the end of the chapter, Zhang Mijun was immediately taken aback and looked towards Mu Yanling, who could only nod in agreement.

Who would have known that when I arrived at the grandstand, I saw a scene of crying in the middle of the grandstand. Even the officials on both sides of the grandstand could only make a sorrowful expression. The whole grandstand looked like a funeral parlor, with only the person in the middle smiling slightly, looking very eerie.

He heard a gentle voice whispering to change the phlegm container, followed by a slightly cool hand using a slightly damp cloth to wipe the sweat from his forehead. After wiping, she placed the pillow for him and helped him lie down.

The officials of the Ministry of Rites looked at Jing Chi with a troubled expression. Jing Chi nodded at them, indicating that they could begin.

"Of course!" Mu Yanling immediately said, "Speaking out of turn, this is the duty of a minister, and I will certainly do my utmost to assist the county lord."

The soldiers in the first row have already walked into the river. The cotton shoes made of old cotton cloth on their feet were soaked in the river water, immediately becoming completely wet. The piercing coldness instantly rushed from the soles of their feet to the deepest part of their hearts.

How could this happen? He turned back in panic, only to see Mu Yanling on the stand, showing a faint smile at him. He no longer tried to conceal anything and told you plainly that it was me who did this!

The court needs a force in Dingxi that is close to them. Originally, they had chosen a nobleman, but the prince unexpectedly passed away. Those in the court fear that the nobleman will hold too much power and may not be loyal to the court. While hesitating, they did not know how the third prince learned about the Changan County Duke, who is brave and skilled in military strategy. They thought of inviting the deputy envoy to come and see for themselves. If it is true, they will probably cultivate the power of the Duke and confront the nobleman.

The resplendent duke has been waiting up there; since he completed the ceremony, he has had no further duties and has been standing for a while. At this moment, he warmly welcomes every official who steps onto the platform, especially the two envoys, to whom he shows even greater enthusiasm. Everyone is dazzled by his presence, yet no one feels comfortable saying anything.

During the Chinese New Year, customs vary from region to region. Even within the same area, the traditions of the wealthy and powerful differ from those of the common people.

No one asked, they were half submerged in the water, their upper bodies sticking out of the water, straight as pine trees, their gaze sharp as a blade. No one made even the slightest sound, no one moved even a bit.

This red small ball is a refined Thunderbolt firework. When the arrowhead hits and collides, it immediately ignites the sparks. The gunpowder inside rapidly expands, exploding into a huge golden flower that covers the entire gate. Then, the golden flower turns into countless tiny golden stars, scattering in all directions amidst the sound of dense rain hitting the lotus leaves, slowly disappearing.

For example, when Xue Ju's 5,000 soldiers enter, the soldiers in the city will be moved away, even if it's just one in the east and one in the west. At that time, even if there are tens of thousands of people, it will be too late to rescue Mu Yanling. Conversely, if the power to mobilize troops is still in the hands of Mu Yanling, Xue Ju's 5,000 soldiers and horses, as long as he says it's a rebellion and orders the troops to move, it will be like a lamb walking into a tiger's mouth.

If the court wants to see a brave and skilled military strategist in Chang'an County, then you should keep your eyes wide open. I have also prepared a surprise for you!

Lord, it seems that my life is no longer enough for you. In the past, I felt that this life had some value, but now, I feel... it's worthless! Giving it to you again, I feel it's not enough!

"Ah? Oh!" Lai San was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly stepped onto the platform and approached Mu Yanling, saying with deep concern, "Lord Mu, please stop crying! The seven emotions and six desires can harm both the body and the heart! Just a couple of days ago, you were too ill to get out of bed, and now that you are feeling a bit better, crying like this is not good for you"

On horseback, he made a big circle, passing by the area not far from the stands, where the crowd could clearly see his smooth and graceful sideways archery movement.

Success and failure both lie with Xiao He. If he had not consistently demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Yue family, he would not have been able to amass such a vast power. At the same time, if he openly violated the rules of the Yue family's vassals, the foundation he has worked so hard to build over the years would be in jeopardy. Regardless of how many people notice, this matter cannot be brought to light; this is the Achilles' heel of Mu Yanling.

Mu Yanling observed with a slight cold smile in his heart. Such an army, having persisted until now, had already exceeded his expectations; was it finally about to reveal its true form?

The team only stopped for a moment, but suddenly it seemed like something had exploded and they strode forward. In just a few steps, the front rows had already walked into the river, the water reaching their waists. Despite the strong current making it difficult to stand, they continued to move forward without hesitation.

Many people are stomping their feet to keep warm, many people are bowing their heads and rubbing their hands, and there are also a few who appear indifferent, standing still with their necks stiff in the cold wind. They haven't deliberately unbuttoned a few buttons to show off that they are not afraid of the cold. This is already giving Benkei face.

The future name of this army stands out among all the armies in Dingxi, and it is closely related to the first battle fought by this army after its formation, as well as to the slogan of this army, which can only be heard in a casino.

The process of enfeoffment is actually just the process of receiving the imperial edict. It's like receiving some kind of credential. After receiving the grace and the edict, he becomes a second-class duke in the Daxing Dynasty. After receiving the imperial edict, there will be a ceremony and banquet hosted by Dingxi himself. Successfully becoming a military officer and being enfeoffed as a duke, Lai San really stole the show that day. Various ceremonies followed one after another, of course, everyone still kept their composure. But at the celebration banquet afterwards, they let loose. Regardless of the purpose, everyone had to toast him a few cups. Lai San had no excuse to refuse, and since he hadn't been prosperous for long, he hadn't built up his tolerance for alcohol. He quickly got very drunk, and had no idea how he got back, only knowing that he spent the whole night vomiting and sleeping, tossing and turning, and constantly hearing people whispering around him, which was very annoying.

Mu Yanling suddenly looked up, Jingzhou city defense! She actually wanted to demand the management of Jingzhou city defense in front of so many people! Speaking of Jingzhou city defense, the official position may not be high, but the responsibility is extremely heavy. Not only because Jingzhou is the capital of Dingxi, but also because it is related to something that everyone knows well. When the uprising occurs, whoever controls the city defense of Jingzhou at the critical moment can even change the situation!

The shadow guard displayed no expression; regardless of the topic discussed, his voice remained steady and unchanged. After Mu Yanling had finished laughing, he continued, "My lord, I have gathered all the information."

Then turning his head, his voice immediately became very serious as he said in a low tone: "Alright, let us proceed as we discussed earlier. Starting tomorrow, you will carefully rotate the personnel in the city defense. Lord Chen, you will ride in my vehicle for now, and let Xu Jin take you away. We must be very cautious; we cannot rule out the possibility that Mu Yanling might take action against you."

At the end of the chapter, Zhang Mo and Zhou Jin carefully observed and experienced the different customs of Dingxi and Daxing. If it were in Daxing, after the establishment of a military unit and the military parade, there would typically be a ceremony for conferring ranks on various levels of officers predetermined within the army. In addition to the main commander, there would also be deputy commanders, assistant commanders, squad leaders, and team leaders, among other ranks.

Yue Tianyi said, "He will eventually have to do something, and I think starting with the city defense is quite appropriate."

"Duke of the County, I have heard that this is the first personal guard you have trained day and night in the military camp, truly impressive." The eunuch Zhang Mo could not help but make a sarcastic remark. His previous intentions to win over the Duke of Chang'an had already frozen away.

At this moment, Lai San finally smiled at Mu Yanling, but this smile somehow felt chilling, as if it carried a cold breeze.

He shook his head and swayed even more amidst the cheers; had it not been for the numerous officials and envoys watching from the city tower, he would have been ready to deliver a performance opening speech. Truly, a general is only as good as his soldiers!

Jing Chi had already turned around and, using the loudest voice he could muster, spoke in a deep tone: "To the First Army under the command of General Zhi Guo, with a detachment of three thousand, established outside the city of Jingzhou. Today, I want to speak about something that everyone knows, yet something that everyone has also forgotten.

The Princess of Chang'an has come to attend the ceremony

Uncle Mu is burdened with numerous affairs, and his illness is indeed a result of exhaustion. Yue Tianyi said in a soft voice, "Originally, these matters should have been managed by the Duke, but in order to establish the army, many responsibilities were shifted to Uncle Mu, causing him to fall ill. It is truly difficult for Tianyi to find peace of mind in this situation."

The square is currently in a state of fervor, with those rascally soldiers excitedly shouting loudly. Even Jing Chi is filled with excitement, and it has become unnecessary to control them to maintain discipline. A sense of honor is equally a manifestation of the soul of an army

"Yes," Yue Tianyi nodded, "My family’s Yibin is competent in many areas, but he indeed started learning archery a bit late. Lord Mu is aware of this, and it was he who helped Yibin arrange to practice at the training grounds. We must thank Uncle Mu for his assistance in this matter.

Originally, I wanted to bring back more for everyone to try. He had agreed to give me some, but his health was not good. After chatting with me for a few moments, he felt tired and closed his eyes without opening them. He didn't mention the things he promised to give me. I don't know if he was pretending! All I saw was that the jar was open and placed beside him, and he reached out and took it himself!

All the officials on the platform were stunned, unable to utter a word. They had never seen or heard of such an army before! It was beyond their imagination!

At this moment, he had no idea how much he feared the new army led by Lai San! He had no idea how much he wanted to strangle the things that made him feel uneasy in their infancy! He wished that these soldiers would drown and be done with it!

Although he couldn't hear what the people in the distance were saying, he could tell from the increasing volume of the voices in the crowd and the changing expressions of the officials on the platform that the situation was becoming critical. Even a fool could see that further delay would only lead to embarrassment.

He sneered in his heart. I deliberately chose someone who is all talk and no action, deliberately picking a useless scoundrel. You can only accept it and treat him as a lifesaver! Little girl, do you think you can change the world just based on your background?

However, city defense is also very important to her. Despite having tens of thousands of troops stationed in Jingzhou, success or failure in times of rebellion depends on a single moment. Soldiers will not concern themselves with the ultimate goal behind their actions. They will go wherever the city defense officials order them to go and do whatever they are told to do. Obtaining the power to control city defense deployment is equivalent to gaining the initiative.