Chapter 107

Chapter 107

The cavalry camp was built with adobe houses. The foundations and lower walls were made of brick and stone, while the upper parts were adobe mixed with wheat straw. The roofs had wooden beams covered with thatch.

At first glance, everything was mud-yellow, not as good as the homes in Taohuagou.

Xiao Zhen saw Tong Sui's serious expression and smiled, "In the past, when we followed the imperial court to fight against two false emperors, we could only set up tents in winter, laying down wooden planks and dry grass, maybe adding a cotton mat. The cold wind would blow through the gaps, and many wounded soldiers froze to death. Now we have solid walls and warm beds, much better than before."

Tong Sui listened and followed him to Xiao Zhen's house: three adobe rooms, the western one used as a study, the middle one as a living room, and the eastern one as a bedroom.

There was no stove; instead, there was a furnace, which wasn't lit at the moment.

Xiao Zhen said, "It's still warm during the day, so I'll light the furnace in the evening."

In reality, it was about being frugal and not wasting resources, wanting to use the military pay wisely.

Tong Sui glanced at his cloak hanging on his arm. A six-tael cloak, he spent lavishly on her but kept his own new cotton clothes for special occasions.

After touring the study, Tong Sui went to his bedroom. The room was smaller than the one in the small courtyard. In the north was a bed, with bedding folded at the head. In the south, an old wardrobe and a washstand stood on the ground. Apart from these, there was nothing else. The mud-yellow adobe wall had a wooden lattice window, letting in both wind and light.

Even though it was better than a tent, such simple conditions made Tong Sui feel heartbroken.

She touched the thin quilt and mattress on the bed and asked, "Is this too thin? Won't you be cold at night?"

Xiao Zhen looked at her concerned face, then at her figure barely concealed by her winter clothes, and whispered, "Cold, stay here and keep me warm."

Tong Sui glared at him.

Xiao Zhen then told the truth, "Not cold. Look, I've slept here several nights already. Do I look like someone who's been freezing?"

Tong Sui recalled how strong and vigorous Xiao Er had been last night.

Xiao Zhen continued, "I brought you here to show you that I'm not living well without you. Whenever I'm not rushed to train the troops, I definitely come back to spend the night with you."

Tong Sui walked over to the wardrobe, opened it, and muttered, "I never doubted you. You don't need to come back every night. Training is more important, and I won't blame you for staying here."

Xiao Zhen replied, "I'm not afraid of your blame, only your longing."

Tong Sui couldn't handle his straightforward words. Despite the wind still blowing in, her cheeks were flushed.

Xiao Zhen closed the window and locked the door.

Tong Sui panicked, "What are you doing? No fooling around here."

Xiao Zhen said, "They'll be training for another hour before returning to camp."

Even so, Tong Sui didn't want to indulge him. But the room was small, and with his long legs and arms, he quickly pulled her into his embrace.

Tong Sui was about to scold him when he whispered in her ear, "Sleep here once, and the quilt will carry your scent. Then I won't feel cold at night."

Tong Sui paused, looking at the rough adobe walls, far less smooth than those in Lingshui Village. Imagining him sleeping alone in the cold, she softened.

Softened or not, when Xiao Zhen lifted her, Tong Sui hit him a few times.

Xiao Zhen clarified, "When we left the city, I hadn't thought of this. Seeing you standing here, looking around like a new bride, I got the idea."

Tong Sui lowered her lashes, "You always have your reasons."

Because she couldn't relax, always worried someone might knock, Xiao Zhen only indulged for a few minutes before stopping.

Tong Sui didn't linger in the warmth of the bed. As soon as she cooled down, she pushed him away and hurriedly dressed.

Xiao Zhen lay on his back, his arm behind his head, watching her disheveled hair and increasing layers of clothing.

Just as Tong Sui was about to get off the bed, Xiao Zhen suddenly pressed her down again, holding her burning face and kissing her fiercely.

Tong Sui scratched him several times.

Xiao Zhen held her wrists, his dark eyes fixed on her, his voice hoarse, "I really want to lock you here so you can't leave."

Tong Sui closed her eyes, "Get dressed quickly, don't catch a cold!"

If he caught a cold and delayed training, Tong Sui would regret coming here.

Xiao Zhen knew his limits.

Apart from those few minutes of madness, the properly dressed Xiao Er was very serious. He had Tong Sui ride a donkey to watch him train the cavalry. At noon, the couple ate a communal meal with the cavalrymen. The camp cook was skilled, making crispy and soft flatbreads and a hearty cabbage and vermicelli stew.

Sitting in the living room, Tong Sui and Xiao Zhen could hear the laughter and chatter from the kitchen.

After a half-hour rest, the cavalrymen began practicing their gun and archery skills.

That's when Tong Sui noticed that all the cavalrymen were equipped with iron-headed spears!

Xiao Zhen explained, "The weapons produced are prioritized for the cavalry. The five infantry units haven't been fully equipped yet, but everyone should have a spear by the end of the month."

Tong Sui was worried about time, "The rebel king has already taken Yun and Yu counties. Will he attack us next?"

Xiao Zhen replied, "Li Gang is eager to expand his territory. The southern Fan County has been occupied by the Dai King, separated from Li Gang by Yin and Ying counties. Li Gang will likely continue south to prevent the Dai King from getting ahead."

The Dai King was another rebel leader southwest of Wei County.

Tong Sui said, "It would be great if they fought each other." They would be too busy fighting to invade Wei County.

Xiao Zhen laughed, "Don't just wish for good things. They might also form an alliance and attack us together."

Tong Sui was speechless.

Seeing her pale face, Xiao Zhen quickly added, "I'm joking. The Dai King is as arrogant as Li Gang. They might each claim their territories but won't form an alliance."

Tong Sui said with concern, "How many rebels are there now?"

Xiao Zhen: "It's hard to count. Some village tyrants claim themselves as kings after occupying a single village. The border troops aren't in a hurry to act because, firstly, they don't take the scattered rebels seriously, and secondly, they want these factions to fight each other first before crushing the strongest one. Besides, the border troops need to guard against invaders from the grasslands; they can't just move at will."

Tong Sui fell silent.

Seeing how rebel leader Li Gang acts, he already oppresses the people enough—killing wealthy families, conscripting ordinary civilians, and seizing horses and supplies. But at least he hasn't forcibly taken food from those who comply. However, if the border troops really let the invaders from the grasslands enter, those invaders would slaughter entire cities, taking away all wealth, livestock, and even women.

In any case, the common people suffer. It's better for internal chaos than foreign invasion.

"Second Lady, why don't you show us your skills again?"

When the cavalry was practicing archery, someone started cheering.

Tong Sui was feeling heavy-hearted about the situation near and far. That heaviness turned into another kind of anger—the root of the chaos lay in corrupt officials and tyrannical rulers, leaving no way out for the common people.

She took the bow and arrows Xiao Zhen handed her and shot twenty sharp arrows in quick succession, all landing in the center of the target.

At first, the cavalry cheered, but as they felt the Second Lady's intense aura, they were left speechless.

The quiver emptied, Tong Sui put down the bow and looked at the young faces filled with admiration. "When I learned archery as a child, I thought that if I could shoot well, I could go hunting with my grandfather, father, and brothers on the mountains. Even hitting a rabbit meant more meat for the family and some copper coins from selling the fur."

Most of the new soldiers came from peasant families and understood the simple motivation behind the Second Lady's words—who doesn't love meat?

Tong Sui looked at the targets ahead. "Later, when I helped Second Master and others kill bandits, I thought that every bandit I killed meant one less villager would die in Lingshui Village, and the elderly, women, and children hiding in their homes wouldn't be killed."

Some of the new soldiers whose families had been harmed by bandits teared up upon hearing this.

Finally, Tong Sui spoke to the young men again. "Whether it's eating meat or killing bandits, it all comes down to survival. I hope you can also practice your weapons well. The better you get, the fewer of our brothers will die, and once we defeat the rebels, the people of Wei County will finally live in peace. Everyone can return home for a peaceful New Year!"

"Second Lady is right. Kill the rebels, return home for the New Year!"

"Everyone, keep practicing!"

Xiao Zhen and the centurions went around to guide the new soldiers' archery techniques, and Tong Sui joined them, correcting anyone with improper posture.

By dusk, Xiao Zhen escorted Tong Sui back to the city.

At the city gate, Tong Sui reined in her horse and told Xiao Zhen, "Go back. The city is safe; I'll be home soon. No need to escort me."

Xiao Zhen chuckled. "Can't I stay at home for another night?"

Tong Sui blushed slightly. "If you miss Grandfather and the others, then come back with me."

If he only misses her and wants to visit again at night, then he should focus on training the soldiers instead.

Xiao Zhen understood the implied meaning and held the reins, nodding towards the city gate. "Go in. I'll leave after I see you inside."

The elders and relatives at home were busy with important matters; there was nothing much to miss, and they didn't exchange pleasantries.

The sun was setting, and it was getting dark.

Tong Sui glanced at him and entered the city gate. Just before turning the corner, she looked back and saw Xiao Zhen still mounted on his horse, watching her. They exchanged a smile, and he turned his horse and galloped away.

The silhouette of Second Master Xiao on horseback was straight and heroic.

Tong Sui watched for a moment before returning to the Xiao residence.

A servant took the mule to the stable, and Tong Sui walked through the arched gate, seeing most of the women already gathered in the main hall, while the men hadn't returned yet.

Liu Chu and Lin Ningfang came to welcome her in the courtyard.

Liu Chu said, "Grandfather sent word that they won't be back tonight and told us to eat without them."

Tong Sui asked, "So everyone has been waiting for me?"

Liu Chu smiled. "Dinner time hasn't arrived yet. You can freshen up; it's perfect timing."

Tong Sui nodded. "Alright, Sister-in-Law, please tell Second Aunt and Aunt about it."

Liu Chu turned and went back to the main hall, while Lin Ningfang accompanied Tong Sui to the East Wing Courtyard, chatting along the way.

Tong Sui recounted her experiences at the cavalry camp.

Lin Ningfang admired, "In just ten days, Second Master managed to train over a thousand new soldiers effectively. Truly, he comes from a lineage of hereditary military officers."

Tong Sui said, "It's all thanks to Grandfather's teaching. Sister-in-Law, Second Master said the two rebels likely won't form an alliance. What do you think?"

Lin Ningfang replied, "I don't know much about Prince Dai, but judging by King Xing's actions and his strategist, they lack the strategy and vision to ally with others."

Tong Sui felt reassured by this additional confirmation.