Chapter 54 Nine Banner Battalion
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He Yan didn’t end up becoming sworn siblings with Xiao Jue. Instead, she was pestered by Xiao Jue’s nephew to become his sworn sibling.
Cheng Lisu pulled He Yan to his room in the military camp, which was different from the communal sleeping quarters where the new recruits stayed. While it wasn’t lavishly decorated, it was far better than where the new recruits slept.
There was even an incense burner lit in the room, adorned with an exquisite fairy figurine. Seeing He Yan’s gaze fixed on it, Cheng Lisu quickly explained, “This is something nice I brought from the capital. My uncle doesn’t allow me to light incense here, so I do it secretly. Don’t tell him.”
He seemed like a mischievous child doing something forbidden behind his elders’ backs.
He Yan thought to herself, not mentioning Xiao Jue, she doubted she would allow it. With the weather being so hot in the middle of summer, why bother with incense?
Seeing her silent, Cheng Lisu misunderstood her expression again and tentatively asked, “Do you really like this? If you do, I can give it to you!” He handed the incense burner to He Yan, “It’s okay, our relationship is strong enough!”
He Yan returned it to him, “… Thanks, but I have nowhere to put it.”
Cheng Lisu realized, quite regretfully, that it was true. “I’ll talk to my uncle and ask him to give you a different room, just like mine.”
He Yan: “….”
Xiao Jue would never agree to that! If Cheng Lisu actually managed to make this happen, she might as well call him Older Brother Cheng Lisu!
“By the way, you don’t know who my uncle is, right? He’s the current Right Army Commander, General Fengyun, Second Young master Xiao, your superior officer.” Cheng Lisu rattled off all at once, then looked at He Yan’s expression, “Why aren’t you surprised at all?”
Was she supposed to act surprised? He Yan responded, “I see a dignified bearing in you, not like an ordinary person. I guessed that your uncle would be the same. Indeed, there’s a resemblance between uncle and nephew.”
This pleased Cheng Lisu, and he blushed slightly, scratching his head in embarrassment. “It’s not like that. I fall short compared to my uncle. He lives next door, but he’s not here right now. Otherwise, I’d take you to meet him.”
He Yan thought to herself, there’s really no need for that.
“Come, I’ve prepared tea.” Cheng Lisu bustled around and handed a cup of tea to He Yan, “After you finish this tea, we’ll officially be sworn brothers!”
He Yan looked at the tea in her hand, hesitated for a moment, and placed it back on the table.
Cheng Lisu blinked, “What’s wrong?”
“Young Master Cheng, I think we shouldn’t address each other as brothers. We’re not of the same generation.” He Yan said.
She and Xiao Jue were of the same generation, but Cheng Lisu called Xiao Jue “Uncle.” If she became sworn siblings with Cheng Lisu, would she have to call Xiao Jue “Uncle” too?
Would she let Xiao Jue have such an advantage? Not a chance!
“Why would we be of different generations?” Cheng Lisu was puzzled, “I’m fifteen this year. I heard from Instructor Liang that you’re sixteen. We’re not that far apart.”
“You call Xiao… the Commander, your uncle, and he’s not that old, right?” He Yan said. Xiao Jue and she were only one year apart in age. She asked, “Is he your real uncle?”
“Yes, we’re related.” Cheng Lisu explained earnestly.
It turns out that Cheng Lisu’s mother, Lady Cheng, the wife of the Right Division Director, and Xiao Jue were cousins. However, Lady Cheng and Xiao Jue have a significant age gap. When Xiao Jue was born, Lady Cheng was already married, so the interaction between the cousins was very limited. On the contrary, as Cheng Lisu grew up, he developed a strong attachment to this cousin who was of a similar age to him.
He Yan recalled that back at Xianchang Academy, there was a chubby little young master who often came to find Xiao Jue. But she couldn’t recall if he called Xiao Jue “Uncle.”
“My uncle excels in everything. He’s outstanding both in literary and military pursuits, a rare talent. Being associated with him makes me look good, and others no longer dare to mock me as the ‘useless young master.'” Cheng Lisu mentioned his nickname without any embarrassment, “Now that I’ve become friends with you, who’s just as outstanding as my uncle, I’m truly impressive!”
He Yan: “…” She wasn’t sure where this “impressive” came from.
Talking about He Yan, Cheng Lisu remembered something and asked her, “By the way, you’re so outstanding, Brother He. What does your family do?”
Without even drinking the tea of becoming sworn siblings, Cheng Lisu had already started calling her Brother He. He Yan didn’t know whether to answer his question first or correct his statement, so she said, “My family is just an ordinary household.”
Her restrained demeanor caught Cheng Lisu’s attention, and he interpreted it with a hint of deeper meaning. Cheng Lisu said solemnly, “I understand. People like you are unwilling to reveal their origins.”
He Yan thought to herself, could this child be a bit strange in the head?
“With your skills, why did you join the Liangzhou Garrison?” Cheng Lisu asked. “With your abilities, why did you enlist in the military?”
He Yan repeated what she had told his uncle to his nephew, “A real man should achieve great feats, earn rewards, build houses, marry wives, and have children. That’s the meaning of life.”
His nephew was less impulsive than his uncle. The young man with rosy lips and white teeth looked at her for a moment, nodded, and praised, “Your idea is very good, very… practical. However, Brother He, to build a career and achieve feats via joining the military, isn’t it a bit too slow? In these years of peace, they say heroes arise in chaotic times. In our era of peace and prosperity, your martial skills have no outlet, which is a waste.”
He Yan: “…” This child was quite thoughtful.
“Why not let me guide you down a clear path?” Cheng Lisu leaned closer and whispered, “Do you know about the Nanfu soldiers under my uncle?”
He Yan nodded, “I’ve heard of them.” The Nanfu soldiers were established by Old General Xiao, achieving unrivaled success in battles.
“Among the Nanfu soldiers, there’s a cavalry unit called Nine Banner Battalion.”
He Yan also knew about Nine Banner Battalion. It was a loyal force established by Xiao Jue after he took over the Nanfu soldiers. They were known for their swift and cunning tactics.
“This time, my uncle is in Liangzhou Garrison not only for other matters but also to select some individuals among the new recruits to join Nine Banner Battalion.”
He Yan was surprised, “I thought Nine Banner Battalion was no longer recruiting?”
“That’s what’s said to the public. But what’s truly rare in this world is talent. Everyone in Nine Banner Battalion is talented. One of the senior members of the camp got injured, lost a hand, and couldn’t fight anymore. He’s now an official in the court. So, achieving feats, gaining promotions, and wealth, you need to find the right place first. With your skills and being one of us, you should join Nine Banner Battalion.” The young man spoke leisurely.
Gradually, He Yan’s smile faded. After a moment, she frowned and said coldly, “Did you say the same thing to others?”
Her gaze turned icy, which startled Cheng Lisu. Stammering, he replied, “No…”
“In that case, remember, you must not tell this to anyone else.”
Cheng Lisu instinctively nodded, “…Okay.”
Satisfied, He Yan suddenly curved her eyebrows and lips, “However, what you said just now is quite accurate.”
“Huh?” Cheng Lisu was bewildered.
The fastest way to gain promotions was secondary. She had fought on the battlefield for feats, which was too slow. Even if she managed to achieve a higher rank, she might not come into contact with the He family. However, things were different with Xiao Jue. General Fengyun and Flying Phoenix General were already archenemies. Based on that alone, there were countless opportunities.
Moreover, by Xiao Jue’s side, she could gather information about court affairs much more easily. She hadn’t thought about having any dealings with Xiao Jue in her previous life, but now she had to become his confidante. It was unbelievable, yet fate had brought them together in a rather coincidental manner.
He Yan finished her tea in the cup and stood up, saying, “I want to join Nine Banner Battalion.”
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