Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 847 As Solid as a Wall [Thank you! Thank you again! 8k words owed]

Midnight,

It was pitch black outside the city.

Along the banks of some ponds and ditches, fireflies, which rise late, occasionally flash their tails.
In the military camp, most of the tents had already extinguished their candles, and only the sounds of snoring and teeth grinding could be heard.

Lanterns were still lit near the stables in the camp.

Amid the calls of night insects and owls, the horses grazing at night occasionally stamped their hooves and chewed, making the area far from quiet.

At the entrance of the stable.

The soldiers of the Vanguard Army on guard duty looked up at the starry night sky and couldn't help but cover their mouths and yawn.

Rubbing his teary eyes from drowsiness, the soldier continued to look around.

"Om-"

Listening to the buzzing of mosquitoes all around.

"Snapped!"

The soldier clapped his hands together.

But the buzzing of mosquitoes only stopped for a moment before reappearing near him.

Just as the soldiers were getting annoyed,

suddenly,

A lantern with the character 'Xu' on it appeared not far away.

The soldiers knew that the Prince of Wei had entered the camp today, and they had been listening to news of the prince's various observations of the soldiers' lives and training all day long.

Thinking of this, the soldier quickly took a few deep breaths and looked carefully at the approaching group.

"Stable area! Halt!"

As soon as the soldier shouted, the men in front stopped in their tracks.

The soldiers shouted, "Night call—light the lamps! Call back!?"

A voice shouted from ahead, "Take this!"

The soldier replied, "Pass!"

After exchanging night calls, the group arrived at the stable entrance amidst the sound of footsteps, and the soldiers quickly bowed and clasped their hands in salute.

Only then did the soldiers on duty notice that two large dogs with their tongues hanging out were following the group.

"This humble servant greets all the generals."

“Very vigilant,” one of them said.

"Thank you for your kind words, General!"

"Ah."

As they spoke, everyone went into the stable.

A charcoal brazier was placed upwind, emitting wisps of smoke to repel mosquitoes, and faint red dots flickered in the night breeze.

Xu Zaijing walked to the manger and looked at the hay inside by the light of the lantern.

The stable boy, who was staying in the stable, quickly walked up to Xu Zaijing and said, "This humble official greets the Prince."

"Hmm! The horses are well taken care of, keep it up." Xu Zaijing praised as he led his men toward the barracks.

"Your humble servant obeys," the horse handler bowed and replied.

Upon arriving at the barracks gate, Qingyun took the lead and went inside carrying a lantern.

By the light of the lantern, Xu Zaijing twitched his nose and glanced around the room.

Turning his gaze away, Xu Zaijing looked at the young horse handler beside him: "Don't you have any mosquito-repelling herbs burning in this room?"

"Your Highness, the mosquito-repelling herbs are prepared for horses; we officials do not receive such treatment."

Xu Zaijing nodded: "Mm."

After glancing at the area around the stables, Xu Zaijing said, "There are a lot of mosquitoes here. I think we should get some mosquito-repelling herbs."

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness," the horseman said, bowing and cupping his hands in thanks.

Xu Zaijing waved his hand, looked at the horse swaying its head under the lantern light, and said, "These days are not wartime, are you horse officers still able to manage?"

"Your Highness, it's acceptable."

Xu Zaijing nodded: "In that case, if we really need to set out on a march or go to war, you might be short of manpower?"

"Yes."

"Ah."

After looking around again, Xu Zaijing led his men away.

Later,
The main tent of the army

Outside the living quarters,

"Wow--"

A bucket of cool well water, drawn from the well, was lifted by Xu Zaijing, who was shirtless, and poured over his head.

"Pfft! That feels great!"

After washing up, Xu Zaijing, with his hair disheveled, entered the inner tent.

As Xu Zaijing entered the tent, Qingyun, who was helping him tidy up, looked up and said, "Young Master, the mosquito-repelling incense that the Princess and the others prepared for you was originally enough for half a month."

"You've sent so much to the wounded soldiers' camp, it looks like it'll only last for three days."

Xu Zaijing smiled and shook his head, pointing to his bed: "Don't I still have a mosquito net here? Did your wife prepare incense for you?"

"Hehe, young master, I need it even less."

"Hmm! Take some with you when you go back to the tent later, it's better to have some than nothing."

"Oh, then I'll benefit from your presence, young master."

Once they were on the bed, the lamps and candles were extinguished.

Xu Zaijing lay on his cot and took a deep breath.

Since recovering the former territory of Baigao, Xu Zaijing had not slept like this for three or four years.

Suddenly not having his fragrant wife by his side, he was really not used to it.

Thinking about what he had seen and heard in the camp today, Xu Zaijing finally managed to fall asleep after a great deal of effort.

The next day, early in the morning, the east was already bright, but the sun had not yet risen.

The Vanguard Army Camp
Directly in front of the central command tent,
A tall banner embroidered with the five characters "Xu, Prince of Wei" fluttered in the wind.

On both sides of the tent entrance,

Large drums, axes, and various command flags stood in the stands.

Near the flag, a robust, armored guard of the prince, gripped the hilt of his sword with one hand, staring coldly ahead.

At this time,

A junior officer emerged from the tent.

After a while.

Beside the tent entrance, a large drum with a brand-new drumhead was being struck by a burly drummer wielding a thick, long drumstick.

"Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump—"

The slow-paced drumbeats rose near the camp, the sound of the cowhide drums like muffled thunder, echoing for miles.

Even the prince's personal guards who were nearby, despite being in armor, could still feel their chests resonating with the sound of the drums.

In the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn

Near the central command tent, commanders from various armies would occasionally ride in on horseback.

After dismounting beside the main tent, the generals tidied their clothes and then hurried into the tent.

Subsequently,

"Boom! Boom!"

The rhythm of the drumbeats gradually quickened.

After another half an incense stick's time,
"Dong dong dong dong!"

The drumbeats became more rapid.
The most rapid drumbeats lasted for a few breaths, then stopped.

Xu Zaijing sat behind the desk in the central command tent, squinting at the last junior officer to enter.

Xu Zaijing's eyes were sharp and piercing.

Whether it was the heavy armor making him tired from walking or the heat from riding a horse on the road, a few drops of sweat slid down the young general's forehead.

Xu Zaijing was not very old, and he had not achieved any military exploits in recent years.

However, Xu Zaijing was a military meritorious son who had actually been on the battlefield and killed people.

His achievements in the Western Army and Beizhou have been passed down by word of mouth among the veterans since the establishment of the Vanguard Army. He was not only favored by the emperor and held the title of Prince, but was also the top scholar in the imperial examination.

These events, one by one, made Xu Zaijing appear extremely imposing simply by sitting behind the table in the large tent and glancing at them.

Among those who entered the tent, the lowest-ranking official was a battalion commander, and their families were quite powerful.

But these people had no doubt that if they were late today, the person behind the table would really offer their head as a sacrifice.

Xu Zaijing remained silent, and no one dared to speak.

Silence fell inside the tent.

Zheng Xiao, who had been in a relaxed mood, was now slightly nervous because of the quiet.

"Gentlemen!" Xu Zaijing said slowly.

The generals in the tent all bowed.

"We've entered the camp several times before, but today is the first time we've sounded the drum to gather the generals."

"You've been in the army for many years, so you naturally know the ferocity of war! Once you're on the battlefield, swords, arrows, spears, and hammers won't spare you just because you're some important person."

"On the contrary, we've truly encountered a formidable opponent."

Xu Zaijing paused for a moment: "For example, the Mongol archers specifically target us commanders."

The generals in the tent nodded repeatedly.

They had all heard about how Marquis Ningyuan, Gu Yankai, had been shot by an arrow in the north, almost hitting a vital spot.

"For example, the Iron Forest Army, a heavy cavalry force in the Northern Liao that is very similar to the Iron Falcons, charges down like a heavy hammer."

Upon hearing Xu Zaijing's words, many people in the tent looked up at him.

If someone else said this, everyone would assume that the person was afraid.

However, when Xu Zaijing said this, the crowd did not feel the same way. The reason was that this man was the one who had sent the iron kite flying with a steel spear.

"There was also the Wanyan Jin Kingdom, which expanded rapidly and repeatedly defeated the Northern Liao and Mongol tribes. Among the Jin soldiers were many elites who could kill tigers and hunt bears."

"I'm sure you've all heard the Duke of England's evaluation of the Jin soldiers as 'brave generals, skilled soldiers, and united in purpose and strength.'"

Everyone in the tent nodded in agreement.

Xu Zaijing said, "In previous years, I fought against the Jin soldiers who came to our court to pay tribute. They were extremely determined in their fighting spirit and did not take ordinary difficulties seriously."

"We will discuss the specific battles fought by the Jin state in recent years in more detail later."

Many people in the tent had their eyes light up, clearly showing great interest.

"There is only one reason why I am saying so much today," Xu Zaijing said, raising his index finger. "I hope that when we go to the battlefield, we will all come back alive."

"Your soldiers will also return alive."

"So, how can one survive?"

Hearing Xu Zaijing's question, Zheng Xiao bowed and clasped his hands in a salute: "Returning to the capital, the commander-in-chief must naturally be stronger than the enemy! On the battlefield, the strong are respected, and only the strong can survive."

"Snapped!"

Xu Zaijing slammed his hand on the table.

"That's right! Only the strong survive."

"Gentlemen, do not think that you can stay peacefully around Bianjing under my command, receiving high salaries and using the best horses and armor, without having to go to the battlefield."

"On the contrary, the name 'Crushing Vanguard Army' implies that its future opponents will definitely be the enemy's sharpest military force!"

"Take my advice: if you can't endure the hardship of training and are afraid of dying on the battlefield, you should leave now."

"So that I don't die on the battlefield and instead get my head chopped off by my own people."

After Xu Zaijing finished speaking, the tent became even quieter, except for the rapid breathing of everyone and the shouts of the cavalrymen preparing for training in the nearby camp.

Time passes,

A month passed by in a flash.

It's early July now.

After the grand celebration of the emperor's grandson's full moon, the streets and alleys of Bianjing City, as in previous years, saw an increase in horse-drawn carriages and oxcarts pulling bamboo poles and timber.

These bamboo poles and timbers were mostly used to build the Qiqiao Pavilion at the gates of the capital.

On this morning,

The Great Zhou Imperial Palace

Xu Zaijing followed half a step behind Zhao Fang, entering the vast study.

The emperor took his seat, sipped his tea, and then waved to Zhao Fang and Xu Zaijing: "Fang'er, you and Ren Zhi, sit down."

"Yes, Father/Your Majesty."

Looking at Xu Zaijing sitting on the embroidered stool, the emperor put down his teacup and laughed, "You rascal, you haven't been home for eight or nine days, have you?"

Xu Zaijing nodded and cupped his hands in farewell: "Your Majesty, almost!"

"Yes! It's right to be loyal to the country, but you should also pay more attention to your family."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Xu Zaijing replied with a smile.

The emperor nodded: "According to Zheng Xiao, military training and selection have become routine?"

Xu Zaijing bowed and said, "Your Majesty, yes! With the commanders of the four armies in charge, the army can operate as usual."

"That's good!" the emperor said with a smile. "Madam Chai has visited the palace several times, and each time she has asked about your recent situation in front of the empress."

Xu Zaijing nodded, slightly embarrassed.

"Since there's already a precedent, and Zhengzheng is pregnant, please pay close attention to matters in the military, but don't let your family down."

As the emperor spoke, Zhao Fang, standing to the side, raised an eyebrow with an ambiguous expression.

After all, Xu Zaijing's family members were not limited to Chai Zhengzheng; he was also the younger sister of Consort Rong.

"Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered by your subject."

"Hmm, you two talk, I have a memorial to approve."

"Yes." Zhao Fang responded, and together with Xu Zaijing, they got up and walked to the huge map hanging on the wall.

“Brother Jing, I heard from Zheng Erlang, who has returned to the capital, that you and a battalion of soldiers stood for a long time when it rained the other day?”

Before Xu Zaijing could answer, Zhao Fang continued, "I remember that day, the sun was blazing in the morning, and then it poured rain at noon! You were just standing there?"

Xu Zaijing smiled and nodded: "Yes, Your Highness! If you want your soldiers to be able to follow your orders, the army must strictly enforce discipline."

“Military orders are absolute. Without orders to take shelter from the rain, your servants and soldiers will naturally stand firm in the rain, like a wall.”

"If you can't even withstand this scorching sun and rain, you'll probably have no choice but to desert when you face a hail of arrows and spears on the battlefield."

"That day, I was extremely happy." Seeing Zhao Fang's curious look, Xu Zaijing explained, "From beginning to end, none of the soldiers in that battalion moved or spoke out of turn, nor did anyone beg for mercy or make a fuss."

"It's just that we've used up a lot of ginger slices in the camp."

Zhao Fang nodded: "Is it to boil water for the soldiers to ward off the cold?"

Xu Zaijing nodded in agreement.

After discussing the situation in the north for a while, Xu Zaijing was kept in the palace for a meal.

After the meal, Xu Zaijing was dragged to the back hall by Zhao Fang, who insisted that Xu Zaijing hold the emperor's grandson who was already a month old.

As soon as the two arrived at the rear hall, they heard the grandson of the emperor crying loudly inside.

Whether it was a coincidence or the wet nurse holding the grandson found the right method, the grandson stopped crying after the two entered the palace.

Zhao Fang couldn't help but sigh that his son and Xu Zaijing were destined to be together.

in the afternoon,

Quyuan Street,
The main hall in the back courtyard of the Duke of Dai's mansion.

Hua Lan, heavily pregnant, sat to the left of Xie Shi. After exchanging glances with Rong Feiyan and Ming Lan, she smiled at Chai Zhengzheng, who was speaking at the head of the table.

"The baby in your belly isn't even settled yet, how can you listen to his nonsense and insist on going back to Quyuan Street with the two of them!"

On one side of the Luohan chair, Madam Sun looked at Chai Zhengzheng with a mixture of heartache and reproach.

Chai Zhengzheng smiled at the two people below her and said, "Mother, my husband told me last time he came back that if the baby in my belly is strong, even if I jump and run, it will still be steady."

"If he weren't so capable, even if his wife just stayed home all day and took care of herself, it would be fine."

Upon hearing this, Madam Sun frowned and said, "Your husband is just spouting nonsense! You're pregnant, it's always better to be careful!"

Chai Zhengzheng nodded with a smile: "Yes, Mother, your daughter-in-law will remember it! It's just that my husband hasn't been back to our home for a long time, and he keeps saying he misses you, so we had him come and pick us up today!"

Rong Feiyan and Minglan, sitting to the left, smiled and nodded in agreement.

"The Prince has arrived."

As the maid announced his arrival, Xu Zaijing entered, his body steaming with heat.

Having not seen Xu Zaijing for many days, Madam Sun couldn't help but stand up from her armchair and look at Xu Zaijing as he entered the room, saying, "Tsk, why do you look so dark?"

(End of this chapter)