CHAPTER 106: CHAPTER 106: SUBMISSIVE KNEELING

Song Yuan, Meng Dashan, and Li Tie received their orders, hurriedly excused themselves, and went off to arrange the details for departure tomorrow. Moving troops requires ensuring adequate provisions, which is the top priority. This night, the kitchen staff had no chance to rest, having to stay up all night preparing dry rations.

Jiang Shaohua purposefully kept Yu Chong behind and, in a gentle voice, said, "I have appointed Li Tie to accompany us, leaving you at the military camp. Do you harbor any discontent?"

Without hesitation, Yu Chong respectfully replied, "Li Tie originally served Zuo Zhen and has just pledged allegiance to you, feeling uncertain. You have given him the opportunity to gain merit to reassure him and others. It is beneficial for me to stay in camp, to continue training soldiers and consolidate their morale. My heart is filled with gratitude, not resentment."

Speaking with the wise is effortless and straightforward.

Jiang Shaohua relaxed her brow and slightly smiled, "It’s good that you understand. General Yu, the reports from both myself and Zuo Zhen have been sent to the court. It is uncertain how the Emperor will decide. However, Zuo Zhen can no longer hold the position as Commander of the Nanyang Army, and this office will definitely become vacant."

"Chief Historian Chen has written letters to both the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, strongly recommending you as the Commander of the Nanyang Army."

Yu Chong’s eyes filled with intense joy, his voice slightly trembling, "Thank you, Princess!"

To command an army is every military general’s dream. Yu Chong had been hoping and longing for this day during his many years with the Nanyang Army.

The Princess had only hinted at it once or twice before, but now she had clearly spoken it. To Yu Chong, it was like heavenly rain descending.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "If this works out, everyone will be happy. Even if it doesn’t, and the court sends someone else to take command of the Nanyang Army, I will still do my utmost to support you."

"This Nanyang Army belongs to both myself and you, Yu Chong."

This final statement sent Yu Chong’s blood surging with emotion.

Yu Chong knelt down and vowed with utmost sincerity and humility, "The Princess’s immense kindness is engraved in my heart."

"With Heaven above and the Earth below, I, Yu Chong, hereby pledge to devote my life to the Princess. If ever I betray her, may I fall under chaotic blades on the battlefield!"

For a military man, this truly is an incredibly serious oath.

Jiang Shaohua fixed her gaze on Yu Chong and slowly said, "General Yu, I will remember what you said today. As long as you remain loyal and dedicated, I will never mistreat you."

If the day ever comes when he betrays her, there won’t be a need to wait for the battlefield; she’ll personally end him!

This threat need not be spoken aloud; the kneeling Yu Chong understood it well.

Indeed, the Princess’s unparalleled divine strength and power were key factors in his decision to fully follow her loyally.

Warriors all admire strength. The Princess is a true strong figure; it is natural for Yu Chong to kneel in submission.

...

The candles in the military camp’s kitchen burned brightly throughout the night.

Creating three days’ worth of rations for thirteen hundred men overnight was no easy task! They weren’t serving delicacies; each soldier received three dry cakes, a piece of meat, and a jug of water. This was enough to sustain them for a day’s fast march on horseback.

Jiang Shaohua did not ride in a carriage; she rode alongside the soldiers.

A fast march without unnecessary elaboration.

Before nightfall, the army reached Xi’e County... or rather, it is more fitting to say Tang’s Castle.

To speak of it, the Tang family in Xi’e County wields influence akin to a local emperor. Da Liang established the court less than two hundred years ago, yet the Tang family has entrenched itself here for four hundred years, spanning three dynasties.

The county town of Xi’e was built with funds from the Tang family, and its city gates are sturdy and well-fortified, surpassing Li County and Wan County, and even comparable to Nanyang County. It is continually expanded and reinforced every year. It’s none other than Tang’s Castle!

Xi’e County is an upper county with a population of over ten thousand, half of whom bear the surname Tang. The other half either maintain close ties with the Tang family or have married into it. In essence, Xi’e County ostensibly remains under Nanyang County’s governance, but it is essentially the Tang family’s domain.

County Magistrate Zou of Xi’e has had a tough life. Born as a legitimate scholar and having spent a fortune securing his official position, he came to Xi’e County as its magistrate. Beset above by the powerful Nanyang Prince Mansion, and below by the entrenched Tang family’s formidable influence, he has served ten exhausting years of this role.

Chief Historian Chen, representing the Princess, came to inspect Xi’e, and County Magistrate Zou dared not show any negligence, welcoming him respectfully.

Ultimately, the Taiping Grain Warehouse reveals only half its stock, obligating County Magistrate Zou to provide an explanation, forcing him to reveal the truth.

As the magistrate of Xi’e, he manages only the county office and the ordinary civilians. For matters of true significance, his word is not the final say; the Tang Family Master must nod in agreement.

Chief Historian Chen was infuriated by County Magistrate Zou’s cowardly incompetence, promptly writing to the Princess. Knowing the Princess well, whose firm demeanor has transformed since "a dream from her grandfather," it is expected that within three days, she would lead the army here.

Indeed, by the second day evening, the Princess arrived at Xi’e County.

Counting the time for sending the letter and travel, the Princess didn’t waste a single moment.

Chen Zhuo, Wen An, County Magistrate Zou, and other notable officials and gentry from Xi’e County all gathered outside the city gate, respectfully welcoming the Princess!

A thousand-strong cavalry, each with two horses, charged forward, kicking up dust and making the earth quake continuously. Such grandeur and momentum are bound to instill awe.

The Tang Family Master, standing beside County Magistrate Zou, was also shaken by the overwhelming martial aura.

The Tang family, despite being powerful rural magnates, secretly sustains two to three hundred strong house servants. However, compared to these seasoned, battle-hardened elite troops, they are insignificantly trivial.

The galloping warhorses slowed down within two miles of the city gate, except for the leading chestnut horse, which continued to race ahead.

This chestnut stallion, tall with sleek fur, exudes magnificence. The maiden atop the horse, yet to fully mature in stature, radiates a commanding and awe-inspiring presence. Enveloped by several dozen trusted aides, she arrived before the crowd like a swift storm.

Without dismounting, the maiden reined the horse tightly and naturally displayed a noble and commanding demeanor.

Chen Zhuo led the crowd in bowing, "We welcome the Princess!"

Jiang Shaohua responded with a simple "Hmm," as her gaze swept across everyone’s faces. The demeanor of the timid, almost cowardly County Magistrate Zou made him retract his head first.

Understandably so, one who could serve as county magistrate for ten years while enduring frustration from the Tang family naturally excelled in tolerance.

Among the subservient crowd, one elderly gentleman around seventy stood out with his luxurious attire and an air of arrogance; he was particularly conspicuous.

This elder was none other than Tang Family Master Tang Huai De.

Jiang Shaohua smirked inwardly and immediately asked County Magistrate Zou, "County Magistrate Zou, who are the people present to greet me?"

County Magistrate Zou responded cautiously with a smile, "These are the county’s officials, along with local gentry..."

"Those who have no official status as gentry have no right to stand before me," Jiang Shaohua coldly interrupted County Magistrate Zou, "Have them all step back."

The crowd: "..."