Finest Servant

Chapter 509 Farewell

The sky was still dark, a gentle spring rain pattering against the loquat trees in the courtyard, making a rustling sound. The lantern light inside the tower was dim, and several young ladies had already risen, silently packing his travel bag for him. The atmosphere was unspeakably stifling.

Luo Ning helped him put on his inner garment and armor, then looked him up and down before carefully straightening the armor plates.

"Big Brother, this package contains winter clothes, and the other one has summer clothes. All are newly made for you. I've heard that beyond the border, the wind and sand are fierce, and the temperature varies greatly between day and night. You must change your clothes on time and don't be lazy," Qiaoqiao pointed to a few large parcels in front of her and advised, "Here are also toiletries I’ve packed for you—towels, salt, soap—and more than ten pairs of new shoes I’ve made for you. I don’t know if it will be enough—"

She had thought of everything possible and packed everything that could be packed, fearful of omitting anything. While speaking, her eyes reddened and tears swelled at the corners.

Lin Wanrong shook his head with a bitter smile. This hardly felt like he was going to war; it was more like going on a vacation. The days with wives truly couldn't compare to his bachelor days. Nevertheless, he couldn't refuse their good intentions, so he held Qiaoqiao's hand and reassured her, "You've all prepared so much for me. It’s more than enough. Don’t worry, the conditions beyond the border are not as bad as you imagine."

"My Dear, wear this," Xiao Qingxuan carefully hung a small jade Buddha around his neck and softly said, "This was left to me by my mother. She will surely protect you along the way."

Xiao Yuruo's cheeks flushed as she stepped forward, holding an amulet made from red string. "This is called the Heart Lock. One for me, and one for you." Her hand gestured over her own full, uplifted chest before pointing at Lin Wanrong's chest; her eyes began to moisten.

Ning'er, Xian'er, Qiaoqiao, and the Second Miss—none of them wanted to be outdone. Gold locks, jade pendants, and safety amulets; everyone had a personal trinket to send him off with, leaving his neck laden.

The affection of these beauties was too overwhelming to bear. Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed. If he continued to linger, he might find himself unwilling to leave at all.

Qin Xian'er fastened a treasured sword in front of him and Gao Qiu had already prepared a carriage waiting at the mansion’s entrance. As he boarded and the horse was about to gallop…

"Lin San—" Eldest Miss let out a cry of sorrow. Gathering her courage from somewhere, she lifted her long skirt and leapt onto the carriage, burying herself forcefully into his arms.

Seeing Xiao Yuruo's behavior, the young ladies below were filled with melancholy, their tears mingling with the falling rain.

Holding Eldest Miss's soft, boneless body in his arms, Lin Wanrong's heart was indescribable, "Be good, don’t cry, don’t cry. I'll be back soon."

Eldest Miss murmured softly, "Is that the only comforting phrase you know?"

Lin Wanrong paused, then laughed, "You know my nature, don’t you? I've never been good at comforting people. My darling, once the war is over, we will go back to Lingyin Temple to fulfill our vows. Didn’t the marriage fortune I got for you there come true? That monk at Lingyin Temple is quite reliable!"

"Ugh!" The young lady exclaimed softly, her face flushed as she playfully pinched him. Seizing a moment when no one was looking, she overcame her shyness and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. In a gentle voice, she said, "Come back soon, I'll be waiting for you!"

Blushing, the young lady hopped off the carriage. Her tender words, "I'll be waiting for you," melted Lord Lin's heart.

Suddenly, he burst into laughter and shouted to the teary-eyed ladies, "Come, let's have a hug! Remember to queue up. Hey, Second Miss, I said a hug, not a kiss!"

The carriage had traveled quite a distance when Gao Qiu looked back. He saw the ladies standing still in the rain, their oil-paper umbrellas nowhere in sight. They resembled statues, waiting for their husbands. Gao Qiu sighed, "Brother Lin, I truly envy you. The deep affection these ladies have for you is deeper than the East Sea."

"Yes, their affection is indeed deep," Lord Lin replied, wiping off the lipstick and rouge from his face. "But they're a bit too enthusiastic. Ning'er's rouge... she must've wanted the whole army to laugh at me, haha!"

The drizzle continued as they traveled. Before they reached the city outskirts, the rain intensified, stinging their faces.

"Green bamboo hat, green raincoat, with the slanting wind and fine rain, there's no need to return," Lord Lin mused, gazing at the distant mountains and rivers through the misty rain. It looked like a beautiful ink painting. He sighed, "With all this wind and rain, perhaps today wasn't the best day to set out."

Gao Qiu snorted, "The Imperial Astronomers chose this day after observing the stars for months. In my opinion, they just wanted to swindle the Emperor's silver."

Lord Lin laughed heartily but didn't respond. By the time they reached the northern camp, the sky was still overcast. The camp was brightly lit, as if it were daytime.

"General, you've arrived!" At the camp entrance, Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan, Li Sheng, and Xu Zhen were all present, fully armored. Seeing his carriage, they hurried over with joy.

Lord Lin greeted them with a smile, "Ah, everyone's here. Were you worried I wouldn't come? When have I ever deserted?"

The men laughed. Noticing the bandage on Lord Lin's leg, Du Xiuyuan whispered, "General, how's your injury?"

Lord Lin reassured him, "Don't worry, I'll recover in a few days. Once we reach the front lines, I'll be racing with the steeds again."

As they were about to enter the camp, a figure dashed out, blocking their path. "Lin San, you broke your promise!"

The person was a boy of about thirteen or fourteen, his eyebrows furrowed and fists clenched, seemingly aggrieved. Lord Lin looked at him in surprise, "Ah, isn't this Little Li? What did I promise and not deliver?"

Li Wuling grunted but remained silent. Hu Bugui said, "General, Wuling is eager to join our army on the northern expedition. The Marshal has left the decision entirely to Advisor Xu, but Miss Xu simply won't allow it. Our army is about to depart today; how can he not be anxious?"

Lin Wanrong recalled, ‘Ah, I remember now.’ The last time he visited the camp, Li Wuling was set on joining my forces on the front lines. However, he's young and the only direct grandson of Li Tai, so no one dared to make a unilateral decision. Li Tai was also noncommittal and left the matter to Xu Zhiqing. ‘So, Wuling wants me to speak to Xu Zhiqing on his behalf?’

Seeing Li Wuling's irritated expression, Lin Wanrong laughed and patted him on the shoulder, "So, your Aunt Xu still hasn't agreed?"

"As if she would!" Li Wuling fumed, "I've begged her countless times. She's as stubborn as you are. General Lin, Brother Lin, you initially promised to help me with this. What do we do now?"

Lin Wanrong was in a cold war with Miss Xu and felt reluctant to approach her. "How about this," he pondered, "you first depart with our army. Once we've crossed the border, it'll become a fait accompli. Miss Xu won't have any other options then."

"That sounds good—" Li Wuling was about to clap his hands when Du Xiuyuan interrupted urgently, "General, this is not advisable. Advisor Xu runs a tight ship, and she keeps an accurate count of the troops. If Wuling sneaks in and gets caught, given her temperament, she'll enforce military law strictly, even potentially beheading him."

Hu Bugui and others, who had served under Xu Zhiqing for a long time, nodded in agreement. Lin Wanrong drew a sharp breath. "Is she really that severe?"

"Therefore, if Wuling truly wishes to join the army, you'll have to speak to Advisor Xu," Hu Bugui winked at Lin Wanrong, his expression rather suggestive. He had accompanied Lin Wanrong to Shandong and witnessed first-hand how General Lin had both hugged and held Xu Zhiqing, who had been angry but never really reprimanded him. The relationship between the two was quite evident.

"Let me think about it. Ah, nature calls. I need to visit the restroom," Lin Wanrong said, looking troubled. The relationship between him and Miss Xu had already reached a point of no return.

Li Wuling grabbed him anxiously, "General Lin, Brother Lin, I beg you. In less than half an hour, the oath-taking ceremony will be over, and the army will truly set off. I'll have no hope left then. Quickly, let me take you to see Aunt Xu, please."

Tears and snot mixing, the young man pushed Lin Wanrong's wheelchair toward the camp. Disabled as he was, Lin Wanrong was no match for him. Despite his protests, Li Wuling's pace only quickened.

Xu Zhiqing's tent was situated in the center of the camp, adjacent to Li Tai's command tent. The oath-taking ceremony was about to begin, and soldiers were being deployed. Weapons clashed and soldiers rushed by, filling the air with a palpable tension as Lin Wanrong watched.

"I say, Little Li, can we discuss this matter further?" The thought of meeting Xu Zhiqing made Lin Wanrong's skin crawl. "How about this? I'll go directly to the General. He is the Supreme Commander; whatever he says goes."

Li Wuling shook his head, "My dear Brother Lin, we've come too far for that. The Marshal has already entrusted the arrangements to Aunt Xu and won't intervene anymore. What's the big deal about talking to Aunt Xu? Are you afraid of her?"

Provoked, Lin Wanrong chuckled bitterly, suppressing a wry smile.

Near Li Tai's tent was a smaller one, its curtains slightly lifted, allowing a dim light to filter out. Muffled voices could be heard from inside.

"We're here," Li Wuling whispered softly, clasping his hands in sincere entreaty. "Brother Lin, you must accomplish this task for me. My entire life is in your hands. Please, I beg you!"

The young man was earnest, his fervor for serving his country undeniable. At this point, refusing was no longer an option, so Lin Wanrong braced himself and stepped forward.

Li Wuling gently nudged him to the entrance of the tent. Lin Wanrong gave the curtain a hypocritical knock, his voice a raspy whisper, "Excuse me, is anyone in there?"

"Who dares make a racket?" A commanding male voice emanated from within the tent.

‘This Li Wuling, leading me astray,’ Lin Wanrong thought, chuckling as he was about to step back. But the curtain was already lifted, and a formidable man stepped out. Tall and majestic, he wore a full suit of armor, exuding authority. Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, he paused, and then burst into laughter, "Isn't this General Lin? Have you returned to camp to see Advisor Xu?"

It was Yu Zongcai, the young general who had once volunteered to challenge Lin Wanrong for the right to lead the troops on the right flank. Lin Wanrong had a good memory; he recognized him instantly.

"Ah, General Yu," Lin Wanrong greeted with a fist-and-palm salute, "My apologies for not recognizing you earlier. You look very dashing in that armor. Is this Advisor Xu's tent? I wish to discuss some matters with her."

"Hush," Yu Zongcai lowered his voice, "Miss Xu is currently contemplating the army's future actions. Don't disturb her. Whatever business you have, tell me first, and I can relay it to her."

‘Relay it through you?’ Lin Wanrong was dumbfounded. Miss Xu's airs were growing by the day, even enlisting General Yu as her secretary. He elongated his "Oh," and said, "Actually, it's nothing major. Just a little matter concerning the fate of our great nation for the next hundred years. I was hoping to discuss it with Miss Xu. Could you perhaps inform her? Ah, but if it's inconvenient, I can always go talk to the Marshal. It's the same either way."

Lin Wanrong's tone was grandiose, invoking matters concerning the fate of the nation for a hundred years. Yu Zongcai couldn't afford to be careless. "General Lin," he said cautiously, "Miss Xu is truly exhausted. Could you share the details with me first? I will inform her accordingly."

The general was young and handsome, and he had repeatedly protected Xu Zhiqing. His feelings seemed to extend beyond mere subordination and respect for his military advisor. Lin Wanrong chuckled and patted him on the shoulder, "My dear brother Yu, the matter at hand is crucial. If I could disclose any details, our brotherly bond would certainly allow me to give you a hint. However, this is a matter of great importance, and I can't act recklessly. I hope you'll understand."

Though Lin Wanrong was much younger than General Yu, he insistently called him "brother" with a cheeky grin, annoying the general. "What brotherly bond do you speak of?" General Yu was about to retort when a tired female voice emerged from the tent, "Who's making a commotion out there?"

General Yu quickly responded, "Miss Xu, it is General Lin of the right wing vanguard. He says he has urgent matters to discuss with you."

A dull thump echoed from within the tent, followed by a long silence. Finally, Xu Zhiqing's indifferent voice came forth, "Brother Yu, please tell General Lin that His Majesty will arrive shortly and the army's oath ceremony will begin. Any discussions can wait until after we depart."

General Yu gave Lin Wanrong a knowing look, signaling that he had passed along the message and that Xu Zhiqing refused to see him.

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "If Advisor Xu doesn't wish to listen, so be it. It's only a matter concerning the future stability of our great nation for the next century. Clearly, it's not something Advisor Xu is concerned about."

With that, he turned his wheelchair to leave. A momentary silence lingered in the tent before Xu Zhiqing's voice softly emerged, "Please, have General Lin come in to talk."

‘Do you think I'll come in just because you asked?’ Lin Wanrong snickered. Before he could step away, he was stopped by General Yu, "General Lin, Miss Xu has invited you in."

Showing deep respect for Xu Zhiqing, General Yu hastily ushered Lin Wanrong into the tent. It was a small space, with a desk and oil lamp in front, and a curtained area at the back that seemed to be Xu Zhiqing's makeshift boudoir.

The dim light of the oil lamp revealed Xu Zhiqing's pristine, radiant face. She wore a light purple dress that accentuated her graceful figure. Bloodshot eyes hinted at sleep deprivation. As Lin Wanrong entered, she spared him a glance; despite the dirt on his face, he looked rather imposing in his armor—a stark contrast to his usually jocular demeanor. His legs, however, were still heavily bandaged, indicating his wounds had not yet fully healed.

Seeing some lipstick marks still faintly visible on his face, Xu Zhiqing lowered her eyes and spoke softly, "General Lin, your timely return adds strength to our forces. This is truly a matter for celebration."

This was their first meeting since their heated confrontation. Days apart seemed to have slimmed Xu Zhiqing's cheeks, making her figure even more captivating. Lin Wanrong stole a few glances before forcing himself to look away.

"Miss Xu, you're too kind," Lin Wanrong laughed, "Actually, I came to discuss a matter of great importance that concerns the future of our great nation."

He paused, and Xu Zhiqing, picking up on his implication, glanced at General Yu, "Brother Yu, go inform the Marshal that I'll be there shortly, and it won't delay the oath ceremony."

Yu Zongcai let out a disappointed sigh and stole a glance at Miss Xu before bowing his head and leaving the tent. Only the two of them remained, and the atmosphere turned somewhat tense.

"Now, General Lin, you may speak. What is it that concerns the future prosperity or decline of my Great Hua?" Xu Zhiqing's expression remained indifferent. Her slender fingers delicately pinched the lamp wick, causing the oil lamp to emit soft crackling sounds. Her hand shimmered with a jade-like luster in the lamplight.

Lin Wanrong's gaze returned from her hand, and he lowered his voice, "It's actually about Li Wuling—"

As his voice trailed off, Xu Zhiqing let out a cold laugh. "Is this what you consider a matter affecting the rise and fall of Great Hua? Your words are alarmist. Are you mocking me by making light of our military affairs? General Lin, this is a military camp, not the imperial court. Even if you are protected by the most esteemed princess of Great Hua, you can still be subject to military law."

The girl seemed as if she had swallowed gunpowder; her words were so harsh. Lin Wanrong's stubbornness flared up as well; he snorted coldly and darkened his face. "What an invocation of military law! If Advisor Xu thinks I'm being alarmist, then go ahead and execute me—"

"You—" Xu Zhiqing suddenly stood up, her eyebrows raised slightly, and her pretty face flushed with anger. Lin San, unyielding, wore a cold smile at the corner of his mouth, as if ready to confront her to the end. A few words were all it took for their faces to redden and their tempers to flare, almost like a replay of their previous encounter.

Neither spoke. The tent was eerily silent, save for the crackling sound of the oil lamp, which slightly eased the tense atmosphere.

"No matter what you say, I will never allow Wuling to go north," Xu Zhiqing finally broke the silence, her tone filled with unshakable resolve.

Lin Wanrong wore a lukewarm smile, "The legs are his own. If he wishes to go to the battlefield, what right do you have to stop him? Give me a reason!"

What she hated the most was his indifferent demeanor, devoid of emotion, like a wooden stump. Xu Zhiqing gritted her teeth, "What reason do you need? Simply because his surname is Li, and he's the only heir to the greatest martial family in Great Hua. He cannot go! Not to mention his youth; even if you consider that the Li family is an unwavering banner in the hearts of our soldiers, if he rushes to the north and something goes awry, do you understand the blow it would deal to our military morale? How emboldened would it make the nomads feel?"

Tears shimmered in Xu Zhiqing's eyes, though whether they were caused by a painful memory, she did not know. Nevertheless, she held them back, refusing to let them fall.

"The greatest martial family in Great Hua?" Lin Wanrong scoffed, "Miss Xu, that's a thing of the past. That title will no longer exist in the future."

"Nonsense! Why?" Xu Zhiqing stubbornly questioned.

"Miss Xu, are you feigning ignorance, or are you truly naive?" Lin Wanrong snorted, "An heir to the Li family who has never seen a battlefield, a nobleman who lives peacefully in the capital—is this great martial family of yours worthy of inheritance? What a joke! Protected and sheltered by you, the greatest martial family of Great Hua will be ruined in your hands. Do you think not just the ancestors of the Li family, but even General Li Tai, would agree to this?"

Miss Xu spoke coldly, "Even if I'm being overprotective, have you considered the consequences if something happens to Li Wuling? The nomads will be overjoyed, and our own troops will be disheartened. With low morale, defeat in the great war is inevitable. Have you thought of that?"

Lin Wanrong burst into laughter, shattering the silence in the tent. Xu Zhiqing felt both embarrassed and irritated. "What are you laughing at? Can't win the argument against me?"

"Miss Xu, why don't you think about it the other way around?" Lin Wanrong repressed his laughter and sighed slightly, "My point of view is precisely opposite to yours. If Li Wuling doesn't go to the battlefield, the nomads would be the ones to celebrate because they would have one less formidable opponent. And our soldiers would be missing a future commander. It's like sabotaging ourselves. How is this any different from harming our country's future prospects for hundreds of years to come? Am I still being alarmist?"

He was eloquent, and what he said wasn't without merit. Xu Zhiqing retorted, full of concern and indignation, "Even if you aren't being alarmist, what if something happens to Wuling? The Li family only has this single line of descent left!"

Lin Wanrong grew furious, "Miss Xu, tell me, why can everyone else's sons and brothers die in battle, but Li Wuling cannot even face a mishap? Is it because he is the legitimate grandson of General Li Tai? This elitist attitude of yours is unacceptable!"

"I have never thought like that," Miss Xu was also angered, raising her voice without realizing.

"You might not have thought it, but you're acting like it. You've unwittingly distinguished him from everyone else just because he's General Li Tai's grandson. Others can die, but he can't? Have you considered that all these soldiers are also someone's sons and someone's treasures? Whose life is more valuable? If Li Wuling dies in battle, it may be sad, but that's a soldier's honor. There's nothing more to say. We have plenty of noble families in our great country—Wang, Qian, Zhou—we are not lacking in backbone! It's okay to benefit from your ancestors; you've earned it. But don't act as if you're somehow entitled, as if everyone owes you something. Frankly, Miss Xu, you are jeopardizing the foundation of our nation with your selfishness! Hey—don't hit me—I'm leaving!"

"Get out! Just get out!" Miss Xu's shoulders trembled as she fiercely scolded him.

Lin Wanrong had been too engrossed in making his point to consider how it would affect Xu Zhiqing, a proud woman. Anger drained the color from her face, almost making her bite her red lips through. Tears rolled down like pearls cut from their strings. She picked up the oil lamp, ready to throw it at him.

Yu Zongcai, who had been waiting outside the tent, rushed in upon hearing the commotion. Seeing Xu Zhiqing's tear-streaked face, he looked panicked and charged at Lin Wanrong.

"Brother Yu, what are you doing?!" Xu Zhiqing was alarmed, not even bothering to wipe her tears as she quickly stepped in front of Lin Wanrong, berating Yu Zongcai.

Yu Zongcai was taken aback. "Miss Xu, did General Lin mistreat you?!"

Xu Zhiqing's eyes were filled with a quiet depth as she looked at the flickering candlelight. "You misunderstand, Brother Yu. Why would he mistreat me? I was simply reminded of something sorrowful earlier and cried of my own accord. What does he have to do with it?"

Yu Zongcai was uncertain whether she was telling the truth or not, but when he glanced at Lin San, the man's eyes were darting around and his appearance was suspicious. He snorted, then offered Lin Wanrong a fist-and-palm salute with a smile. "General Lin, please forgive my earlier misunderstanding. I hope you can excuse it."

"Do you really think I'm that bad?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, tucking the hidden weapon back into his robe. He warmly patted Yu Zongcai's shoulder.

Xu Zhiqing's expression slowly returned to normal. Seeing the two men in front of her putting on airs, she hummed, "Brother Yu, General Lin, please go ahead and leave. The swearing-in ceremony is about to begin."

Lin Wanrong let out a low "Oh," and smirked, "About what I was discussing with Miss Xu earlier—"

That was precisely what she didn't want to hear. Xu Zhiqing's face changed immediately. "I've already given you my answer. Do I need to repeat it? I have important matters to attend to. Brother Yu, please escort General Lin out."

‘This girl's stubborn temperament really does match my own,’ Lin Wanrong thought. Seeing her cheeks as cold as frost, he knew that the matter was settled. He grunted and left the tent.

The army had not even set out yet, and already the vanguard of the right wing had clashed with Advisor Xu several times. If this got out, no one would believe it. Lin Wanrong returned to his own camp in a somber mood, where Du Xiuyuan and others had already lined up neatly, waiting for him. But there was no sign of Li Wuling.

"Was it successful?" Hu Bugui cautiously asked, noticing his displeased expression.

"Women, ah, women," Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed, answering a question with another question. "They are so hard to understand. Brother Hu, go inform Little Li to stay at home and enjoy being a noble."

Realizing that the matter had fallen through, everyone felt disappointed. Since they had started following General Lin, this was the first time he had failed, and that too at the hands of Miss Xu. It felt strange to them all, but no one could put it into words.

A drizzling rain continued to fall, and as the sky gradually lightened, a large platform was erected on the northern side of the training ground. Huge logs were used to construct a tall pavilion on the platform. Golden dragon flags fluttered, and the atmosphere was grim amidst the misty rain.

On either side of the platform stood gigantic drums, as tall as a man. Wooden stakes were erected in front, bound with numerous cattle, all for the ritual of flag offerings.

The old Emperor stood solemnly, unfeeling as the rain struck his face.

"The auspicious time has arrived!" The official from the Imperial Observatory announced. The Emperor gave a slight nod to Li Tai.

The general took robust steps forward, his white hair appearing especially tragic and heroic in the wind and rain. Sweeping his gaze over the crowd, he bellowed, "Swear to vanquish the nomads and defend our great nation. Where are the men—beat the drums, assemble the troops—"

"Beat the drums, assemble the troops—"

"Beat the drums, assemble the troops—"

The orders echoed from north to south, layer upon layer, resounding endlessly.

"Boom—Boom—" The heavy, immense drumming broke the silence of the sky, startling the slumbering birds in the forest. At once, the military camps in all directions erupted into a cacophony of bugles, hooves, footsteps, armor clashing, and weapons colliding, each sound like a great wooden hammer pounding the earth, creating an overwhelming momentum.

Within the camp, the army had long been poised to strike. With just two drumbeats, the troops had already fully assembled. The drill ground was packed, a sea of human heads as far as the eye could see. Tens of thousands of elite soldiers stood, their armor gleaming, faces stern, and weapons gleaming coldly. In the middle were the elite troops of the Divine Machine Unit, tens of thousands of archers and crossbowmen, and over a hundred cannons, all pointing skyward. On the right were the cavalry troops, infantry in formation, each with a blade or a spear that emanated a cold, forbidding glow. Despite the large number of soldiers and officers, the entire field was eerily silent, not even the neighing of the horses audible. Li Tai's reputation for military discipline was indeed well-deserved.

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites read aloud the imperial edict for the campaign, detailing the menace of the Turks and their barbaric intent against the people and fertile lands of the Empire. Angering both heaven and man, the Emperor had mobilized a million-strong army to crush the Turks, retake the frontier, and manifest the Empire's might.

Lin Wanrong listened to half of the dense and cryptic edict before losing interest. His gaze wandered through his own ranks, suddenly spotting the figure of Li Wuling. The young man was suited in armor, standing amidst the ranks, listening to the edict with such enthusiasm that his cheeks were flushed with excitement.

"You're asking for trouble, aren't you?" Lin Wanrong urgently motioned for Gao Qiu to drag him over, and then gave him a firm slap on the head. "Sneaking into my Right Wing Camp—if your Aunt Xu finds out and applies military law, who could save you?"

Li Wuling grinned without a care. "General Lin, Brother Lin, you're so mighty; are you really afraid of my Aunt Xu?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled dismissively. "Talk is cheap; I've done all I can. I can't tolerate your aunt's temperament. You should go back and stay put. When I have time, I'll catch a Turk wife for you to play with."

Li Wuling snorted disdainfully, "Even Aunt Xu let me come. Why would I go back?"

"Who, who allowed you to come?" Lin Wanrong hurriedly cleaned his ears and asked earnestly.

"What, you didn't persuade Aunt Xu?" Now it was Li Wuling's turn to be surprised. "She personally asked me to join your army!"

With the campaign about to commence, Li Wuling would never joke about such matters. So, it really was Xu Zhiqing's wish. Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned, frantically looking for Xu Zhiqing in the ocean of hundreds of thousands of troops but failing to find her.

"Crush the nomads! Defend our Great Empire!" The voices of hundreds of thousands of soldiers rose like a boundless ocean. Every face was flushed, every weapon raised high, all screaming in unison. The sheer heat of that collective fervor seemed to subdue even the continuous spring rain.

Lin Wanrong looked up to see the old Emperor addressing the assembly: "—He who advances shall be richly rewarded; he who retreats shall be executed. All my words boil down to this one sentence—those who dare trespass against our Great Hua shall be punished, even if they are far away! I will stand here on this platform, and on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, when the moon is full, await the triumphant return of all you soldiers and generals. Cheers!"

The Emperor drained a large bowl of strong wine in one gulp and then forcefully smashed the bowl to the ground. Tens of thousands of soldiers simultaneously raised their bowls and emptied them. The sound of shattering porcelain reverberated continuously.

"Raise the flag!" General Li Tai bellowed. Instantly, thousands of cavalries burst forth, their horses neighing and their long spears and swords clanging.

"Charge!" Over a thousand cavalrymen galloped frenetically toward the platform, eyeing the bound sacrificial oxen atop the altar. With swift, synchronized movements akin to a glinting cold light, they severed the heads of the thousands of animals. Blood splattered across the parade ground. The cavalries hoisted the dripping heads high and quickly rode back, the sight further fueling the soldiers' killing intent.

"Charge!"

"Charge!"

Hundreds of thousands of men brandished their weapons and yelled in unison, their cries piercing the heavens, shaking the earth. The eyes of Xu Zhen, Hu Bugui, and others near Lin Wanrong were bloodshot, their overwhelming fervor causing Lin Wanrong's ears to buzz.

The Marshal's white hair fluttered in the sporadic drizzle. Standing against the wind, he swung his longsword forward. "Men, march!"

The drums of war began to pound, resonating like spring thunder in everyone's hearts. The hundreds of thousands-strong army, lined up like a long snake, braved the spring rain as they headed north. The high-flying banners seemed to echo the emotions of each departing soldier—both excited and mournful.

Thousands upon thousands of civilians gathered along the roadside, running along with the troops. The endless column of soldiers mingled with the people, together forming a colossal dragon.

This departure likely meant parting life from death. Elderly mothers, newlywed wives, children at their parents' knees—they all called out the names of their loved ones over and over, their tears long dried, hoping to catch one last glimpse of the faces they would see in their dreams. Those who found their family held tightly onto each other, unwilling to part. Bag after bag of dried fruit and rations were thrust into the soldiers' hands, whether they knew them or not.

"The hardest part is saying goodbye," the solemn, tragic atmosphere even brought tears to the eyes of Hu Bugui, a veteran general who had fought against the nomads for many years.

Lin Wanrong had never experienced a scene like this before. This was a true farewell, a life-or-death parting. Looking at the countless wives and mothers with children in tow, yearning and weeping, their intestines nearly torn from grief, he felt a sense of awe that was difficult to articulate. He despised war now more than ever.

"Big Brother, Husband!" A delicate cry came from the crowd. It was Ning'er, dressed in her brightest gown, standing atop a carriage. She looked like a butterfly adorned in flowers. Her eyes filled with tears, she furiously waved her small hands, having already turned into a weeping mess. Qingxuan, heavily pregnant, and the Eldest Miss tightly embracing her—along with Qiaoqiao, Yushuang, Xian'er—they all jostled among the crowd, moving step by step, waving to him over and over.

"Take care, Ning'er, Qingxuan, Xian'er, Yushuang, Yuruo, Qiaoqiao—take care!" Lin Wanrong waved his hand frantically as if possessed, tears falling like a floodgate had burst open, pouring down uncontrollably.

Through his tear-blurred vision, those familiar faces slowly vanished into the sea of people, receding farther and farther away.

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