Chapter 150: Jiyang Army
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Early the next morning, He Yan and Xiao Jue had their breakfast and went to Jiyang’s training ground to inspect the city’s army. Lin Shuanghe did not accompany them and rested in the Cui mansion. Liu Buwang, on the other hand, continued to search for the whereabouts of the Wutuo people, leaving the house at the same time as He Yan’s group.
Jiyang City had numerous rivers, and the city was built along the waterways, dividing the flat land into various sections. Therefore, finding large open spaces within the city was not easy. The training ground was located relatively close to the royal palace because it was the only place with a large open area.
When He Yan and Xiao Jue arrived, they encountered Cui Yuezhi. Cui Yuezhi saw them and politely bowed, saying, “Commander Xiao.”
Seemingly aware of He Yan’s surprise, Cui Yuezhi smiled and patted Xiao Jue’s shoulder, “In fact, I began to suspect the second day since you arrived in Jiyang. Even my concubine noticed that your appearance bears no resemblance to my Cui family. How could you possibly be my elder brother’s son? Later, when Her Highness brought you into the palace and summoned you, I assumed that she already knew your identity. If Her Highness intended for it, I had no choice but to play the fool and avoid discussing it.”
This Cui Yuezhi was quite intelligent.
He chuckled twice, and his simple and honest face concealed a hint of shrewdness. “If Her Highness thinks I’m a fool, then I’m a fool. Being a fool isn’t all that bad.”
He Yan understood that Cui Yuezhi’s role as the perfect “fool” was why he had become one of Mu Hongjin’s most trusted confidants. It wasn’t just because of his formidable combat skills or his past friendship with Mu Hongjin from their youth. It was because of his well-calibrated act of “playing the fool.”
With such a loyal and wise subordinate, it was only natural that he would be trusted and valued.
He was a person with significant worldly wisdom.
Cui Yuezhi then turned to Xiao Jue and said, “Her Highness informed me that from today, all of Jiyang City’s troops will be under Commander Xiao’s command. Her Highness has already told me about the Wutuo people. I will fully cooperate with Commander Xiao, and Jiyang City’s residents will depend on Commander Xiao’s protection.”
“Has Her Highness already started evacuating the city’s residents?” He Yan inquired.
“Today is the first day, but…” Cui Yuezhi sighed. “It’s not an easy task.”
City residents, accustomed to living here in peace, would naturally panic upon receiving news of danger in Jiyang. Especially the young ones would be more willing to leave, but those who were sick, elderly, and had no one to care for them couldn’t just leave. There were also those with businesses and shops who couldn’t easily abandon everything they had.
“However,” Cui Yuezhi perked up, “I’ve heard of General Fengyun’s battlefield prowess, always emerging victorious. I’ve been wanting to meet him for a long time. I didn’t expect Commander Xiao to be even younger than I imagined, and so handsome,” he said, half enviously and half admiringly. “How can there be someone so favored by the heavens in this world?”
He Yan: “…”
Dealing with such favoritism, ordinary people might not be able to handle it.
As they continued talking, they arrived at the edge of the training ground. Jiyang City’s troops hadn’t been in active combat for years, so the soldiers wore cloth armor instead of metal, which was blue in color. They all carried long spears, and their physical appearances appeared strong and robust. However, He Yan could immediately tell that their battle formation lacked the necessary killing power. They seemed more like a decorative formation, an outdated one at that.
For years, it seemed that Mu Hongjin hadn’t paid much attention to the training of the city’s troops, but this was understandable. Jiyang had enjoyed peace and prosperity since the time of Mengji Wang. They had rarely been in combat, and even theft and looting were scarce. The city’s residents were simple and honest, so there was no need to put extra effort into training the troops.
“Be prepared in times of peace, and you’ll be safe in times of danger,” He Yan shook her head. “The city’s troops in Jiyang have been lax for too long.”
Cui Yuezhi looked at He Yan, who he had learned was Commander Xiao’s subordinate from Mu Hongjin herself. He initially believed that He Yan was a concubine or something similar to make the act of traveling to Jiyang as “Qiao Huanqing” more convincing. Although he had been puzzled at one point about the casual relationship between He Yan and Xiao Jue, hearing He Yan’s words now piqued his curiosity. “Can Yuyan see something?”
“Cui Zhongqi, my surname is He, name Yan. The Yan in Heqing Haiyan. I can’t see anything else, but I feel that the formation of the Jiyang Army seems somewhat outdated. In Shuojing, we haven’t fought like this for several years.”
“Miss Yan,” Cui Yuezhi lifted his chest and replied with some skepticism, “The quality of a formation isn’t determined solely by its novelty; it also needs to be suitable for the situation. This military formation was developed through collaborative efforts with my colleagues in the military and tailored specifically for the terrain of Jiyang. How can you call it outdated?”
He didn’t dare to boast that his formation was better than Xiao Jue’s, but the soldiers under Xiao Jue’s command, his could definitely compete. A good military formation takes several years to develop, and what Miss Yan is suggesting isn’t like trying a new dish; you can’t change it every so often.
Seeing flaws in the formation everywhere, He Yan didn’t want to attack him directly. She also glanced at Xiao Jue, noticing his silence, which indicated his lack of objection. After some thought, she tactfully said, “Let’s not focus on the formation. Just looking at the martial skills of these city soldiers, it seems more like a drill. If they were to enter the battlefield, they might lack a bit of something.”
“Lacking in what?” Cui Yuezhi asked.
“Courage,” He Yan replied. “These city soldiers can only handle opponents weaker than them or those of equal strength. If they encounter more ferocious and ruthless adversaries…” He Yan shook her head. “I’m afraid they won’t prevail.”
As they spoke, they had already arrived in front of the martial training ground. He Yan’s words had fallen on the ears of the soldiers at the forefront. The young man standing in the first position held a long spear, and upon hearing her words, he couldn’t help but glance at her.
Hearing He Yan’s remarks about his soldiers, Cui Yuezhi felt somewhat uncomfortable. He said, “Miss Yan’s words make it sound like our Jiyang army is as fragile as tofu.”
He Yan hadn’t lied. This batch of Jiyang city soldiers probably hadn’t truly experienced a battlefield and might be even worse than the new recruits of Liangzhou Garrison. Living in comfort for too long, even a tiger’s claws will lose their strength. Moreover, the Wutuo people were well-prepared and not to be underestimated.
“I’m just a bit concerned,” He Yan said.
“This Miss,” Suddenly, someone spoke up. He Yan turned to look, and it was the young man holding the long spear, standing in the first position. His skin was tanned by the sun, but he had a handsome appearance. He showed no fear standing beside Xiao Jue and coldly said to He Yan, “Are you implying that our city soldiers are worthless? What do you mean by that? Jiyang City may have been peaceful for many years, but the city soldiers practice diligently every day, never letting their guard down. You haven’t been a part of it, so it’s best not to make hasty judgments.”
He Yan said, “I don’t easily come to conclusions.”
The young man did not recognize He Yan and was unaware of Xiao Jue’s identity. He thought that Cui Yuezhi had brought his nephew and nephew’s wife to visit the army. He was probably young and didn’t know how to hide his emotions. He spoke with some indignation to He Yan, “How can a woman understand the affairs of men in the military?”
He Yan: “…”
He Yan thought to herself that if a woman were to get angry, ten military men probably wouldn’t be enough to handle it.
You should know that if the Jiyang city’s army were to confront the Wutuo people with such arrogance, there would be no chance of victory in this battle. She was thinking of how to tactfully deflate this person’s confidence when she suddenly heard Xiao Jue’s voice.
“If that’s the case, why don’t you have a competition with her?”
He Yan looked at Xiao Jue. The soldier who had been speaking was also surprised, as he hadn’t expected him to make such a proposal.
“This… isn’t a good idea, is it?” He Yan hesitated.
The soldier felt somewhat relieved, thinking that this woman was indeed tactful. Just as he was about to follow the flow, he heard the rest of He Yan’s words, “After all, they are Cui Zhongqi’s soldiers. What if we break their morale, and they become disheartened in the future?”
Cui Yuezhi: “…”
He had been thinking that Xiao Jue’s proposal was somewhat hasty. Now, hearing He Yan’s words, he didn’t know what to say. Cui Yuezhi was also a martial artist, but he couldn’t directly assess He Yan’s skills. Judging from her appearance, He Yan seemed small and fragile, and he couldn’t see any remarkable qualities. The way Xiao Jue put it, this girl must have some skills, but compared to Mu Yi, she might be overestimating herself.
Looking at her slim arms and legs, Mu Yi could easily break her arm with a single move.
He Yan looked at Xiao Jue. In the morning light of the martial arts field, the young man appeared graceful and elegant, exuding a sense of strength in his navy blue attire. He was no longer the Second Young Master Xiao here but the Right Army Commander and General Fengyun.
Mu Yi, the soldier who hadn’t said anything yet, was already being observed by He Yan, who smiled and said, “How about it? Young man, do you want to have a match with me?”
She was still dressed in the red riding outfit of Jiyang women, black boots, and her whip hanging from her chest, giving her a lively and innocent appearance, like countless young women in Jiyang during spring, with no discernible difference.
Most young men tend to have a competitive spirit. If a girl challenges them, especially if she’s a good-looking girl, they usually want to prove themselves. Mu Yi was no different. He thought he had already given this girl a chance, but she wouldn’t give up, so he would have to let her experience the might of the Jiyang city’s army.
With that in mind, Mu Yi cupped his hands and said, “Please.”
He Yan smiled slightly, leaped up, landed on a nearby wooden stump with a foot, and in the blink of an eye, she was in the center of the martial arts field. She slowly drew the purple jade whip from her waist and made a “please” gesture.
The bystanders enjoyed the spectacle, while the experts analyzed the techniques. He Yan’s entrance was indeed extraordinary. Mu Yi felt a bit surprised but refused to show weakness and swiftly moved to face He Yan.
With one person wielding a spear and the other wielding a whip, they were locked in combat in the blink of an eye.
The Jiyang city’s soldiers around had already set aside their long spears and were watching intently. Each military unit had its unique characteristics; for example, the Nanfu troops were disciplined and serious, the Liangzhou Garrison were relaxed and bold, and the Jiyang city’s army was lively and animated, akin to a theater performance. The scene became instantly spirited and enthusiastic.
“Great! Well done!”
“Mu Yi, why can’t you do it? Don’t go easy on her!”
“Girl, you’re doing great, beat this guy!”
The cheers and encouragement were constant.
Cui Yuezhi watched the red figure in the center of the field with ease, her whip moved as smoothly as flowing water, and her steps were as fast as lightning. Mu Yi was surprised. Mu Yi was one of the best in the Jiyang city’s army, and among the people here, he was one of the top fighters. However, even Mu Yi was falling behind when facing He Yan.
Most people assumed Mu Yi might be holding back because his opponent was a girl, but Cui Yuezhi had a keen eye and could see that Mu Yi didn’t stand a chance. The girl’s whip was too fast, her footwork was too quick, and she had a set of skills. Mu Yi didn’t have a chance to strike back. At this rate, he would soon be defeated.
Cui Yuezhi couldn’t help but ask Xiao Jue, “Commander Xiao, is Miss He really your subordinate?”
With such a subordinate, there wasn’t a single person in the Jiyang city’s army who could compare. It was truly enviable!
“Losing to the Liangzhou Garrison’s number one, your subordinates weren’t wronged,” Xiao Jue said casually.
The Liangzhou Garrison’s number one? Cui Yuezhi was puzzled. Had He Yan also fought with the Liangzhou Garrison?
On the stage, Mu Yi looked somewhat embarrassed, and sweat was gradually forming on his forehead.
This girl appeared delicate and seemingly fragile, yet her movements were incredibly fast and unstoppable. She anticipated each of his actions with precision. Her own movements were swift, seemingly tireless, and most importantly, how could a girl have such incredible strength?
With a “crack,” her whip hit a stone pillar by his side, shattering a piece off it. The shards flew past Mu Yi’s face, and he could hardly believe his eyes.
That was a stone pillar that couldn’t be broken with a sword on an ordinary day, and she was using a whip. Not only did her whip not break, but He Yan also appeared relaxed.
What kind of logic was this?
Mu Yi had no idea. He didn’t know that back when He Yan was with the Liangzhou Garrison, her days included exercises with throwing stone weights that were calculated in “months.” It wasn’t that He Yan was targeting someone; it was just that in terms of strength, none of the people present were her match.
While Mu Yi was contemplating this, another long whip had already reached him, startling him into using his spear to block it. With a “crack,” the long spear broke into two pieces.
The Jiyang city’s soldiers around fell silent, and only the girl’s amused voice echoed in the arena.
“For the last three strikes, the first strike teaches you not to underestimate a woman.”
Mu Yi, in a hurry, grabbed the longer broken piece of his spear to defend himself.
With another “crack,” his spear broke again.
The incredibly strong girl tilted her head and sighed, “The second strike warns against arrogance, which is a grave mistake in combat.”
With only a small piece of the spearhead that wasn’t even the size of his hand left, Mu Yi was temporarily unarmed. The third strike flew toward him, and he couldn’t avoid it.
“The third strike, don’t worry, I won’t harm you.”
As the long whip reached him, it playfully coiled around his arm, then snatched the remaining spearhead from his hand. When Mu Yi snapped out of his daze, the girl with red attire and black hair was holding his spearhead and inspecting it. She walked over, patted his shoulder, and returned the spearhead to him, saying with a smile, “There’s always someone better. Keep working hard, young man.”
She walked past Mu Yi, smiling when she left.
His companions gathered around, asking questions like, “Are you serious? Brother Mu, you lost so quickly? Did you go easy on her? How can you have no pride?”
“Stop making things up,” Mu Yi said, angry and frustrated. “I didn’t go easy on her!”
His comrades exchanged puzzled glances. One of them said, “Didn’t go easy? Could she really be that amazing?”
“That can’t be,” another person said.
Someone even pointed at Mu Yi’s red face and asked, “Mu Yi, why are you blushing?”
The murmurs from the crowd reached Cui Yuezhi’s ears, but he had no intention of scolding anyone at the moment. He couldn’t help but marvel at how fast time had passed, barely half a stick of incense.
He Yan had defeated one of the most outstanding soldiers in the Jiyang city’s army, and Cui Yuezhi could clearly see that He Yan hadn’t even used her full strength. If she had directed her whip not at Mu Yi’s long spear but at Mu Yi himself, he would have experienced a lot more difficulty.
“Commander Xiao has an exceptional subordinate,” Cui Yuezhi sincerely said. He thought of what Xiao Jue had said earlier and felt some concern. “The Jiyang city’s army may not be as good as the Liangzhou Garrison, but…”
“The Liangzhou Garrison have already engaged with the Wutuo people once,” He Yan happened to walk over and said, “The Wutuo people are cruel and cunning in a way that Cui Zhongqi can’t imagine. They won’t be as merciful as I was. If the Jiyang city’s army can’t win, it will be a disaster for the city’s people.”
Cui Yuezhi shivered.
“The most crucial issue isn’t the troops,” Xiao Jue said.
“What is it, then?”
“Jiyang has a lot of water, and the Wutuo people will likely use water-based attacks. This battle is destined to be fought on the water. The reason your military formations are outdated is that they are not designed for water warfare.”
Cui Yuezhi frowned, “Could you please clarify, Commander?”
He Yan looked at Xiao Jue, feeling excited that he shared her thoughts.
The young man lowered his gaze and said, “Boats.”
The most crucial aspect was boats.
…..
In the loft, the man withdrew his gaze, smiled softly, and said, “I didn’t expect Miss He’s skills to be so remarkable.”
Although he had long known that He Yan was among the top martial experts in the Liangzhou Garrison, he had never witnessed it with his own eyes. It was hard to imagine that the girl who had been quietly standing there as a woman, so dainty and delicate, would appear even more impressive in combat on the martial arts stage. While both were beautiful, Ying Xiang felt that He Yan’s beauty was particularly extraordinary among all the women in the world. However, it was precisely this uniqueness that made those who could appreciate her rarity fewer in number, unlike those who admired more conventional forms of beauty.
“Fourth Young Master,” Ying Xiang spoke softly, “Today, Princess Mengji has already started evacuating the city’s residents. Do you want to join them?”
“My teacher sent me to Jiyang to watch over Xiao Huaijin. Since he’s in Jiyang, how can I leave on my own?” Chu Zhao’s gaze drifted to the distance, seemingly resting on He Yan, who was speaking with Xiao Jue. He smiled faintly.
“Commander Xiao is staying in Jiyang, and even if the Wutuo people come, he can protect himself. However, the Young Master lacks martial skills, so staying in the city is risky,” Ying Xiang tried to persuade him further.
“The more dangerous it is, the more it proves my loyalty to my teacher,” Chu Zhao said with a casual smile. “Ying Xiang, don’t you understand? My teacher gave me two options. One path leads to death here, and the other allows me to complete the mission and return to the capital alive. If I fail and return alive, it’s still as good as dying. Do you understand?”
Ying Xiang remained silent for a moment before responding, “I understand.”
“You don’t need to worry either,” Chu Zhao said, looking into the distance with his hands behind his back. “Moreover, now I have a good friend who knows martial arts. If they are as innocent and idealistic as they appear, they should… be willing to protect my safety as well.”
Ying Xiang followed his gaze and looked towards He Yan in the distance. After a moment of thought, she reminded him, “Young Master, He Yan is Commander Xiao’s subordinate.”
“You also said she’s a subordinate,” Chu Zhao smiled, “There are no permanent relationships in the world. Loyal partners can become formidable enemies in the next moment.”
He had seen plenty of such instances.
People’s hearts can be fickle.
….
In the royal palace, Mu Xiaolou hopped down the stone steps, holding a box, and called out, “Grandmother!”
Mu Hongjin sat in the hall and looked at her, her eyes showing a hint of weariness. “What’s the matter, Xiao Lou?”
“Aunty Tong told me to only take important things, but I like every one of them.” Mu Xiaolou said, “Aunty Tong said the carriage can’t fit them, can Grandmother keep these for me for now? When I return to Jiyang, I’ll ask Grandmother for them.”
Mu Hongjin smiled and opened the box. Inside were some trinkets, wooden crickets, a spinning top, a paper dog, and a whistle that sang when blown….
Most of them were toys that Cui Yuezhi had bought from the street to please Mu Xiaolou, and some were snatched by Mu Xiaolou from her playmates when she visited the mansion. These were her treasures.
Mu Hongjin closed the lid of the wooden box and handed it to a nearby maidservant, saying, “Alright, Grandmother will keep them for you. When you return to Jiyang, you can ask me for them.”
Mu Xiaolou nodded, “Grandmother, please take good care of them.”
Mu Hongjin chuckled and patted her forehead, saying, “I know, my little treasure hoarder.”
“Grandmother,” Mu Xiaolou hopped onto a soft cushion and hugged her grandmother’s waist, acting coquettish. “Why do I have to leave Jiyang? I don’t want to leave you. Can I skip Royal Uncle’s birthday banquet?”
“Nonsense,” Mu Hongjin said, “How can you skip it? You are the future Princess of Jiyang, and only you can represent Jiyang.”
“But I don’t want to go…” the little girl whined, “I don’t know what Royal Uncle looks like, how well we’ll get along, and what if he’s mean?”
“He won’t be, they will all be very kind to you,” Mu Hongjin said, her tone gentle but with a touch of severity. “Xiao Lou, you are no longer a child. Grandmother cannot be with you forever. Someday, you will have to stand on your own and take on many responsibilities. Only by watching you grow up can Grandmother feel assured.”
“But growing up should take its time,” Mu Xiaolou said, puzzled. “I’m not a bamboo shoot at the mountain pass, ready to sprout overnight.”
Mu Hongjin was amused by her words, and after the laughter, her eyes showed a hint of worry.
There was no time left.
The Wutuo people were already making moves in the shadows, and she had to send Mu Xiaolou away. Mu Xiaolou was the last hope for Jiyang City. She had also made the worst assumption, it’s just she couldn’t watch the little girl grow up and become an insurmountable protector before she reached adulthood. It was truly regrettable.
But why are there so many regrets in the world?
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