Chapter 70
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“Hey! You’re overthinking it. There’s nothing much going on here.” Ming Yu glanced at him, but Mo Jiang remained unmoved, clearly indicating that no matter what Ming Yu said, it wouldn’t change the situation.
Ming Yu sighed and rubbed his forehead, determined to give it another shot. “Commander Mo, look here, I’m in Liangcheng, there are soldiers guarding the city. There’s no need to worry about my safety.”
“I apologize for not being able to comply,” Mo Jiang responded respectfully.
“…” Ming Yu was at a loss for words. He had no choice but to compromise. “How about this, how about we temporarily dispatch that batch of new recruits?”
The new recruits he mentioned were the young and strong individuals who came to the base for training, particularly those with outstanding abilities who were willing to stay. They were formed into a reserve force for the Guard Battalion, and their potential should not be underestimated. It was like a blank canvas that Ming Yu could shape into something wonderful. If managed effectively, the future Guard Battalion would become an iron-clad force embodying duty, loyalty, responsibility, and honour.
Ming Yu valued them greatly, emphasizing their training not only in physical fitness but also in education. He originally intended to have this group of new recruits accompany him on this trip, but it seemed that he had to abandon that plan now.
“No! These new recruits have too short a training time and too weak of a foundation. They’re not capable enough to shoulder the responsibility of guarding Wang Ye,” Mo Jiang firmly denied.
Mo Jiang’s stubbornness left Ming Yu speechless. Was the situation really that serious? He would be staying in the prince residence; at most, he would occasionally visit the craftsman’s workshop. How could any danger arise?
Ming Yu tried to reason with Mo Jiang for a long time, finally convincing him to agree that the new recruits could be used as guards. However, Mo Jiang insisted that veterans should also be included, splitting the numbers evenly. At this point, further arguing seemed futile, so Ming Yu had no choice but to compromise.
Still concerned, Mo Jiang cautioned, “Your Highness, you must not leave the city. Wait until we’ve dealt with the invaders before making any arrangements.”
Ming Yu raised both hands in a gesture of surrender and nodded repeatedly, saying, “Yes, yes, of course! Definitely!” This Mo Jiang, why was he becoming so chatty now, he’s becoming just like Qing Ping? Could this trait be contagious? Indeed, a mismatched pair doesn’t seem to get along well at all!
Although still uneasy, Mo Jiang eventually agreed. As he was about to take his leave, Ming Yu had a small box brought in and handed it to Mo Jiang. “Given the dangers of dealing with the invaders, take this with you. It can be used for self-defense.”
Mo Jiang was taken aback, opening the box to find something inside. When he saw what it was, he felt deeply moved. “Your Highness, this is for Your Highness’s protection. I cannot accept it.” The object Mo Jiang saw was a ‘crossbow,’ a powerful and lethal weapon crafted in the royal workshop.
Mo Jiang tried to decline, but Ming Yu insisted and placed it in his hands. “You’re aware that the workshop is currently crafting new ones. I initially wanted to give you one of the new ones, but this item requires intricate craftsmanship and takes time to make. You’re going to face the invaders now, waiting for the new ones isn’t an option. So, take this and use it for now.”
The fact that the workshop could craft a small crossbow according to Ming Yu’s description was a pleasant surprise. When the first one was made, he tried it in the Guard Battalion; although it had some defects, it didn’t hinder its functionality.
Upon seeing it, Ji You seemed as if he had come across the maiden of his dreams. His eyes couldn’t seem to look away. Ji You had an avid love for archery; his arrow skills were precise, hitting the bullseye even from a hundred paces. When he saw Ming Yu produce such a divine weapon, how could his hunter’s heart not be delighted? After trying it a few times, he grew even more attached to it, almost pleading Ming Yu to give it to him.
Ming Yu was also in a dilemma. After all, this person in front of him was the beloved general of the Red Robe Army, Xie Yixiu. He had borrowed him to the Guard Battalion for quite a while. If Ji You wanted this small item so much, it wouldn’t be appropriate to refuse.
Moreover, this was just a flawed prototype. There was room for improvement in the future. Ji You’s exceptional archery skills made his input valuable for the enhancement of this item. Ming Yu didn’t hesitate either; he generously waved his hand and agreed to give it to him.
In the underground passage of the village, Ji You had used this crossbow to shoot through the armour of the barbarians.
Today, Ming Yu had taken out the second one, which had been produced after improvements. It was a crossbow that closely resembled the ones from later generations. With the perfection of the second one, there would be a third and even a fourth. Therefore, Ming Yu didn’t feel reluctant at all to gift these crossbows.
“Wang Ye…” Mo Jiang felt helpless for the first time. He was genuinely grateful for the trust that Wang Ye placed in him.
Ming Yu patted his shoulder. “You’ve been with me the longest, and you understand me the best. There’s no need to say much. I’ve never treated you as a subordinate.” This was a heart-to-heart conversation; Ming Yu didn’t refer to himself in the first person, instead speaking more like a friend.
“Yes! Thank you, Your Highness!” Mo Jiang lowered his head in gratitude, concealing the waves of emotions in his eyes.
Outside the door, under the bright sunlight, Xie Yixiu’s arrival had witnessed this scene. The touch of Ming Yu’s hand on Mo Jiang’s shoulder seemed to sting his eyes.
With the enemy close at hand, Mo Jiang couldn’t afford to delay any longer. The Guard Battalion had already headed in that direction. He also needed to rush over to coordinate and make all the necessary preparations for the battle.
In reality, Mo Jiang was also feeling uneasy. The combat experience of these young members of the Guard Battalion was very limited. Aside from simulated confrontations with the Red Robe Army stationed in the city and occasional bandit raids, they hadn’t faced any significant challenges.
It was well understood that the influence of bandits was nowhere near comparable to that of the barbarians. While the Guard Battalion could easily eliminate bandits, they might not have an advantage against the barbarians.
He had witnessed the barbarians’ ruthlessness and ferocity firsthand. Mounted on horses, they moved like the wind and were virtually unmatched. Since he was entrusting the Guard Battalion to deal with the barbarians, caution was paramount.
However, Ming Yu felt confident in the Guard Battalion. Young eagles had to be set free to fly; only then could they explore the vast skies awaiting them. Keeping them sheltered forever would hinder their growth. Now he just had to wait for good news from them.
Ming Yu sighed. He had initially planned to start building a horse farm, but now he couldn’t leave the city, so he had to put that idea on hold. As for the construction of canals and waterways, he had some new ideas, but they couldn’t be realized immediately. If they could be implemented, it would save a lot of time and effort in the canal construction, which wouldn’t be a problem at all.
However, it still required the efforts of the artisans. The workload of the Artisan Workshop was already heavy with producing glassware, the Thousand-Mile Eyes, and crossbows. The manpower brought from the capital wasn’t sufficient. Even though he had allowed the workshop to take on apprentices, these beginners were only doing peripheral tasks. The creation of intricate items still relied on the experienced artisans.
Matters were piling up. The artisans of the workshop were expressing their concerns, alternating between pain and joy every day. Trying to turn his new ideas into reality might push them over the edge!
Ming Yu was feeling a bit overwhelmed. It seemed he needed to prioritize making the necessary items first and be willing to let go of some things to maintain efficiency.
As he looked up, he saw Xie Yixiu in the sunlight—peerlessly handsome, wearing silver armor and a red robe. He stood out magnificently under the sunlight, capturing Ming Yu’s attention.
Snapping back to reality, Ming Yu smiled and said, “General Xie is here!”
Suppressing the strange feeling in his heart, Xie Yixiu bowed respectfully and greeted, “Greetings Wang Ye.”
Xie Yixiu’s ability to appear without prior notice was due to a message Ming Yu had sent, instructing that General Xie could enter directly whenever he arrived.
“Why have you come? Ben Wang was just thinking of sending someone to inform you. Since you’re here, there’s no need to make an extra trip,” Ming Yu smiled as he let Xie Yixiu into the hall. They took their seats before continuing the conversation.
Ming Yu’s words made Xie Yixiu’s eyebrows furrow slightly. He felt a sour sensation deep within. Earlier, Ming Yu referred to himself as “I” while talking to Mo Jiang. However, now he had put on a mask and was addressing himself as “Ben Wang.” Although he knew this self-reference was appropriate, an uncomfortable feeling still lingered.
He forced himself to regain his composure, suppressing the restless feeling in his heart. With a composed tone, he said, “I’ve heard that the barbarians have revealed their presence. I came here specifically to take a look. Do you require the Red Robe Army to be mobilized?”
Currently, the barbarians outside of Shi Chongguan were making frequent movements, but there hadn’t been any signs of a full-scale attack. The recent small-scale barbarian intrusion had left him with an unsettling feeling, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on what was wrong.
Upon hearing a report that barbarian activity had been spotted north of Liangzhou, he had hurried over. His initial happiness from seeing Ming Yu had turned cold after witnessing the scene with Mo Jiang. Xie Yixiu also noticed that something was off within himself, but he couldn’t pinpoint the cause of this strange feeling he had never experienced before.
Ming Yu had already sensed Xie Yixiu’s sour mood. Although Xie Yixiu still wore the same cold expression, his demeanor was different when he was pleased. Ming Yu had long figured out Xie Yixiu’s temperament, but he couldn’t figure out the reason behind his current disposition. Perhaps it had to do with the recent actions of the barbarians outside of Shi Chongguan?
He quickly responded, “No need, we have the Guard Battalion to handle these minor barbarian invaders. They are more than capable, there’s no need to trouble the Red Robe Army with this matter.” The Red Robe Army was needed to deal with the larger barbarian forces outside of the pass. Diverting their attention to the smaller invasions could lead to neglecting the greater threat, and he didn’t want to risk compromising the nation’s fate over smaller skirmishes.
Xie Yixiu’s face grew even darker as he interpreted the implications in Ming Yu’s words. The fact that the Guard Battalion was considered their own while the Red Robe Army seemed to be seen as outsiders struck a chord with him. This realization made him uneasy, especially considering how familiarly Ming Yu treated Mo Jiang. There seemed to be an invisible barrier between Ming Yu and others, and this incongruence in his behaviour made him increasingly uncomfortable.
These thoughts troubled him, he didn’t quite understand why he was feeling this way about Ming Yu’s attitude. Logically, as a subordinate, he shouldn’t be concerned about how Wang YE treated others. But why did it bother him so much?
Ming Yu stole a glance at him, sensing the unease. Had he said something wrong? “General Xie, rest assured. This is an opportunity for our young soldiers to train. They will surely perform well and deliver satisfactory results. Moreover, with General Mo overseeing, there’s even less to worry about.”
Avoiding the topic of Mo Jiang seemed fine, but as soon as his name was mentioned, Xie Yi Xiu’s unease seemed to escalate. “I’m not saying I’m not confident. Since Wang Ye has spoken, then let it be.”
“General Xie? Is there any issue outside of Shi Chongguan?” Ming Yu asked, concerned and attentive.
Xie Yixiu’s voice turned cold, “No issues.”
If there were no issues, why did he still appear this way? Ming Yu couldn’t make sense of it. Before he could ask further, Xie Yixiu spoke again, “Has Wang Ye dispatched the Guard Battalion entirely?”
He had heard a hint of this news outside earlier, but knowing Ming Yu’s temperament, this was a good opportunity for training, so he must have sent most of the guards out for that purpose.
Ming Yu gave an awkward chuckle, “Not everyone has been dispatched. Some are still left behind, the new recruits didn’t go. We’ll find another chance to let them experience the atmosphere of the battlefield.”
Xie Yixiu frowned, “Is it appropriate for Wang Ye to have no one around?”
“Absolutely appropriate,” Ming Yu said nonchalantly, “I have a sense of propriety. In Liangcheng, Liu Prefect’s administration keeps things relatively peaceful. As long as we stay within the city, there shouldn’t be too many unexpected events.”
Though Ming Yu tried to reassure him, Xie Yixiu still couldn’t shake off his concerns. He was not as easily persuaded as Mo Jiang. He couldn’t interfere with Wang Ye’s arrangements as an outsider, but he resolved to be more vigilant.
Ming Yu shifted the topic, “General Xie, your Thousand-Mile Eyes are almost ready. However, I have more important projects to work on at the moment. I’m planning to suspend the supply of Thousand-Mile Eyes temporarily. We’ll resume when the scale of the workshop expands.”
Xie Yixiu nodded, then he looked at Ming Yu and asked, “I’ve heard that Your Highness has created an impressive crossbow?”
Thinking back to the object that Mo Jiang had carried earlier, it was likely the crossbow that Ji You mentioned. He had yet to see it himself.
Ming Yu scratched his head in embarrassment, “Ah, it’s just something I put together haphazardly. Mass production of this item isn’t feasible for now. Once we’re able to manufacture it properly, I’ll send one to you to try.”
If it could be mass-produced, combining it with cavalry would result in a potent force. The effectiveness of archery while on horseback was quite a challenge, requiring exceptional individual skill. This crossbow would make it easier; a simple hand movement could launch a short arrow at high speed, accurately and powerfully, saving a lot of effort.
With this crossbow, you can easily shoot short arrows just by lifting your hand—a swift, precise, and powerful strike that saves a lot of effort.
Ming Yu’s final words finally improved Xie Yixiu’s mood. He looked forward to the gift from Ming Yu and didn’t decline, saying, “Then I shall thank Wang Ye in advance!”
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Hmmm… Someone is jelly~ (￢‿￢ )
Thank You for the new chapter (♡ >ω< ♡)