The Red Mansion in its bustling glory

Zhu Shang is not a fool.

Although he had some aspirations and ideas, he knew that he could only pursue them when he reached a certain position.

As for whether he will still hold onto his current beliefs by then—he thinks he can.

Therefore, he immediately bowed and said, "If what you say is true, then I will certainly serve you like a cow or a horse to repay your great kindness!"

Jia Jue laughed and said, "You don't have to work like a slave. Just remember your spirit now and make some contributions to the country in the future."

After saying that, he pulled Liu Xianglian away again.

Little did they know that if this incident hadn't occurred, Zhu Shang might have infiltrated a nobleman's tent that very night and done what Jing Ke did.

However, now that he is about to achieve his goals, he naturally will not do so.

As Jia Jue and Liu Xianglian walked back, Liu Xianglian said, "I never imagined that in this military camp, a mere soldier would be stronger than those sons of wealthy families."

Jia Jue also sighed, "Now that our dynasty has been established for decades, the world has enjoyed peace for a long time. The sons of wealthy and noble families have no shortage of food, clothing, or wealth. Even if they lead a dissolute life, they still have something to rely on. If they want to make progress, they need only a firm will. However, studying is tiring for the mind, practicing martial arts is tiring for the body, and the rich and gentle world is also a place that wears down the mind and destroys the soul. Therefore, most of the rich and noble young men are unwilling to make progress nowadays."

Liu Xianglian also sighed and said, "That makes sense. I just hope that people like Zhu Shang can realize their ambitions and contribute to the country, which might change the current chaotic situation."

Jia Jue said, "We have just happened to meet Zhu Shang, but how many Zhu Shangs in the world are unable to realize their ambitions, unable to use their talents, and can only live a muddled life?"

As they talked, the two arrived at the entrance of the commander's tent.

The two went inside, where singing and dancing continued, and everyone was extremely happy.

Upon seeing Jia Jue and Liu Xianglian arrive, they all came over and urged them to drink.

The two of them had to say something more before the matter was settled.

Before they knew it, the toasts were flowing freely, and Jia Jue noticed that it was getting late.

He then said to Feng Tang, "Uncle, I went out to relieve myself just now and saw a fierce general in the army named Zhu Shang. He was tall and imposing, with a broad back and a powerful build. I was curious, so I asked him to demonstrate his martial arts and ask him about military strategy. To my surprise, he was highly skilled in both martial arts and military strategy. Such a fierce general, I wonder what his current position is?"

"Zhu Shang?" Feng Tang asked himself, having never heard of this name before. However, he knew in his heart that Zhu Shang had probably caught Jia Jue's eye and was about to be promoted. So he feigned ignorance and said, "Oh? My army actually has such a person? I had no idea. Guards!"

As he spoke, Feng Tang called someone over.

"Go down and ask if there is anyone in the army named Zhu Shang. Bring them here."

The man accepted the order and left.

Before long, the man returned and reported, "General, there is only one man in my army named Zhu Shang, and he has now been brought before the tent."

Feng Tang waved his hand and said, "Bring him up."

A moment later, the man brought in a burly, strong man.

Jia Jue looked closely and indeed it was Zhu Shang, whom he had just met.

Feng Tang then asked, "Nephew, is it him?"

Jia Jue smiled and nodded.

Feng Tang nodded, then turned to Zhu Shang and said, "I've heard you are highly skilled in martial arts and adept at military strategy. Is that true?"

Zhu Shang replied, "I dare not say my martial arts skills are superb, but I am certainly proficient; I dare not say I am proficient in military strategy, but I have a basic understanding of it."

Feng Tang laughed and said, "No need for modesty—Both Young Master Jia Jue and Young Master Liu Xianglian have told me that you are a capable person. Today, I will make an exception and promote you to the rank of military commander. When the war comes, you must fight bravely and fiercely to live up to the kindness of Young Masters Jia and Liu."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Shang immediately bowed and said, "Thank you, General! Thank you, Young Master Jia! Thank you, Young Master Liu!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Tang merely chuckled a few times and then said to the person beside him, "Hurry up and get to it. Allocate several hundred elite soldiers to him. Also, go to the back and see if I have any extra armor for him. If it doesn't fit or we don't have any, have someone make a new one."

With that, he waved his hand, dismissing everyone around him, including Zhu Shang.

Zhu Shang emerged from the commander's tent, looked up at the sky, and sighed softly.

He had tasted this flavor a second time.

The first time was when I was following General Yu. At that time, I blocked an arrow for the general and killed more than ten people, which is why I caught his eye.

At first, he was just a squad leader, but he was promoted one by one in battle, and eventually became a captain.

Back then, I was young and commanded thousands of people, which was quite prestigious.

He has no sense of propriety and is arrogant because of his talent.

Apart from General Yu, who else has ever caught my eye?

But it was precisely because of this that, in a single day, his armor was stripped off, and he became an ordinary soldier.

Thinking of this, he sighed softly again and walked away.

-

The banquet for Jia Jue and his companions lasted until sunset before they were finally allowed to leave.

Once Fang left the military camp and arrived on the road, Liu Xianglian drew his sword and swung it, causing a willow tree the size of a bowl to fall down.

"well--"

Then came a long sigh.

Jia Jue simply patted him on the shoulder without saying anything more.

The two remained silent all the way back to the Rongguo Mansion.

As soon as Jia Jue entered his courtyard, Xi Ren and the other three women came over.

They were all people who knew Jia Jue quite well. Even though Yinglian arrived the latest, it had been a month and a half since then.

Therefore, they could all tell that Jia Jue was in a bad mood.

Xiren then asked, "What's troubling you, Master?"

Jia Jue shook his head and said, "It's nothing."

Qingwen replied, "Why would you look so down if there's nothing wrong? Since we're with you, we should share your burdens and relieve your worries; otherwise, we'd be neglecting our duty. But if you don't tell us, how can we share your burdens and relieve your worries?"

Musk Moon added, "Although we're girls and don't know much, talking about it might help ease our worries."

Jia Jue nodded and said, "Alright then."

He then told them what had happened that day.

After saying that, Jia Jue said, "Tell me, if all the generals in the court are like this, and all the military camps are like this, it's fine to suppress these currently insignificant Japanese pirates, but if we really encounter any serious battles, how can we possibly win?"

Qingwen said, "Which official isn't like this nowadays? Let alone military officials, what about civil officials? Aren't they all like this?"

Musk Moon said, "But you're overthinking it. The world is at peace now, why would any war break out for no reason?"

Xiren replied, "In that case, you should strive to rise higher, otherwise you can only watch and be angry without being able to do anything."

Yinglian didn't say anything, but just sighed and turned around to bring Jia Jue some tea so he could soothe his throat.

After saying this, Jia Jue felt a little better.

However, the officialdom in the court is now almost entirely corrupt.