The Woman Disguised Herself as a Man and Abolished the Prince, Married a Princess and called the Empress - Chapter 11

The new recruits cheered and scattered like wild horses. Lin Jingmo led Xiong Shaoqing, Huang Yu, and Peng Yong-shen into the barracks. He first nodded in approval of their management of the new recruits, then quickly arranged the tasks for the next month.

The new recruits were basically on the right track. Next month, they would train and spar with the veterans from the previous cohort.

After the arrangements were made, the three of them took their leave.

“Xiong Shaoqing, hold on,” Lin Jingmo called out unhurriedly.

Xiong Shaoqing’s footsteps paused, and she stopped at the sound of his voice.

After Huang Yu and Peng Yong-shen had walked away, Lin Jingmo approached Xiong Shaoqing, his gaze sizing her up. After a quarter of training, the person in front of him had become even more upright.

Lin Jingmo suppressed the admiration in his heart and deliberately put on a serious expression: “You have good aptitude and are a promising talent. But as a team leader, don’t hold back.”

Xiong Shaoqing’s brows furrowed, full of confusion: “Commander, what do you mean?”

“You only have yourself in your eyes, just training hard on your own. Look at the two deputy leaders—they actively help the new recruits. How are you leading as a team leader?” Lin Jingmo’s gaze was sharp as he stared at Xiong Shaoqing, his tone serious.

Xiong Shaoqing’s expression was calm, her gaze meeting Lin Jingmo’s with composure. She said concisely: “Commander, I am the backbone. If I put all my energy into other things, what will happen to the team?”

She continued to explain with a calm demeanor: “The famous prime minister of the previous dynasty would even inquire about a twenty-strike military flogging. He toiled over every detail, which is why he was unable to fulfill his great ambitions.

“I will first make myself stronger. If the deputies can’t solve the new recruits’ problems, I’ll step in. This is more efficient and can also bring greater honor to the Xuanbing Camp.”

Lin Jingmo was taken aback by her words. He hadn’t expected Xiong Shaoqing to know this historical anecdote, which showed she wasn’t just a brute.

He looked at Xiong Shaoqing, and his gaze involuntarily held a hint of appreciation.

“Alright, you’ve worked hard during this time. Go on, and remember to return to the team on time,” Lin Jingmo’s lips curled into a subtle, barely perceptible smile.

Xiong Shaoqing bowed out, thinking that this was a good opportunity to go to Goumang Peak and bring back some local specialties from Feidu City as a token of her gratitude.

Leaving the Xuanbing Camp, she noticed that the experts from the Princess’s residence were still following her in secret. Even at the military camp, this person was guarding her. This shadow guard was truly dedicated.

Feidu City was only a half-day’s journey from Goumang Peak. This time, Xiong Shaoqing had the poison-repelling pearl given to her by Li Yongdao, so she was completely unafraid of the miasma.

All her actions were truthfully reported to Liu Hanyue by the head of the shadow guards, Furong.

“When she first entered the camp, Xiong stood out, defeating Peng Yong-shen with a single move to secure the team leader position. The other day, she failed to organize the new recruits to respond to a late-night assembly and was punished with forty laps and two hundred push-ups.”

“During the quarterly leave, Xiong entered Goumang Peak. Due to the miasma, I could only guard the foot of the mountain, so the situation is unknown.”

Liu Hanyue looked at the secret letter from Furong. While she was delighted, she also fell into contemplation. The fact that Xiong Shaoqing could smoothly enter the mysterious Goumang Peak meant she must have a connection with the Goumang clan.

The court was currently in turmoil, and Liu Hanyue urgently needed to expand her influence. Although her mother, Empress Ye Jinyu, doted on her as her only biological daughter, Liu Hanyue knew in her heart that if she didn’t have her own abilities, her mother couldn’t protect her forever.

Her half-sister, Liu Hanxing, had always been jealous of her. Liu Hanxing was born to the former empress, and as the legitimate daughter, she had a claim to the throne. The Empress had long wanted to get rid of her, but Liu Hanxing had formed an alliance with Prince Duan, Liu Yanji, and had also married Cui Hao, the Prime Minister’s son.

If Liu Hanxing ascended the throne, Liu Hanyue would have no chance of survival. There was also Prince Duan, Liu Yanji, who was also coveting the throne. This uncle had not done a few small things behind her back, but her mother had resolved them one by one.

Although her mother successfully ascended the throne, she was temporarily unable to remove all of Liu Yanji’s followers, and Liu Yanji had been waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Her mother’s situation was also not optimistic. She could only first open the imperial examinations to recruit talents, raise the status of women, and allow them to enter officialdom. This would gain public support and give commoners a chance to climb the career ladder.

When she had just ascended the throne, the Zhuoguang clan in the northwest was stirring.

To be on the safe side, her mother began to conscript soldiers on a large scale, offering generous conditions. Men and women alike responded in great numbers, but all had to undergo strict assessments to enter the camp.

In this situation, if she could win over Xiong Shaoqing, it would be a great help. Liu Hanyue secretly made up her mind that before Xiong Shaoqing grew stronger, she must take good care of her and prevent her from being won over by other forces.

Spring turned to summer. The earth was full of greenery, and all things grew vigorously under the scorching sun.

The rice seedlings stood tall in the fields, the willow branches hung down by the river, and the lotus flowers bloomed in the pond. But on Goumang Peak, it was still cool and pleasant.

A gentle breeze swept through the treetops, carrying away the heat and leaving a coolness. The bamboo leaves rustled in the mountains, and the pines and cypresses were verdant and tall.

Xiong Shaoqing strolled along the winding mountain path. After about half an hour, she walked into the courtyard gate and happened to see Li Yongdao sitting in the same spot they had met last time, drinking tea.

“Haha, Shaoqing, you’ve come at just the right time. I was just about to go down the mountain to find you,” Li Yongdao said with a smile and a relaxed expression. “This saves me a trip.”

A question arose in Xiong Shaoqing’s heart: “Uncle, is there something urgent?”

Li Yongdao’s expression became serious, and he nodded slightly: “It is indeed a big matter. I want to pass the position of Young Clan Leader to you.”

“Huh?” Xiong Shaoqing’s face showed surprise. “Although I have the bloodline of the Goumang clan, I didn’t grow up here. I’m afraid it will be difficult to convince everyone.”

Li Yongdao’s gaze was deep as he looked into the distance, his easygoing manner mixed with a hint of seriousness: “Shaoqing, it seems the world is about to fall into great chaos. In just a few years, Goumang Peak will be gone.

“At that time, if the clansmen lose this place to live and work, they will have to wander around and suffer.”

Xiong Shaoqing’s heart trembled. She thought to herself that since her uncle was her master’s senior brother and a practitioner of the Dao, it was reasonable for him to have calculated this.

“Your uncle, I am getting old, and my cultivation is almost at its peak. This world can barely hold me anymore, and I will probably be going to another world soon. But our Goumang clan cannot be without a leader. After much thought, you are the most suitable person to lead them.”

At this point, Li Yongdao turned his head to look at Xiong Shaoqing, a look of gratification on his face: “You are the flesh and blood of my sister, you have the blood of our Goumang clan flowing in your veins, and you have awakened the talented bloodline. Even the Sacred Tree acknowledges you.

“I believe you have the ability to lead the clansmen to survive in this chaotic world and create a new future for them!”

Xiong Shaoqing thought for a moment, then nodded heavily: “Since Uncle trusts me, I will take on this important task!”

Since he had said so much, she felt it was her duty. After all, these were her mother’s clansmen. If her mother were still alive, she would definitely hope that she could protect them.

Seeing her agree, Li Yongdao nodded with satisfaction. He then ordered Steward Xu to gather all the members of the Goumang clan to meet at the open space in front of the council hall at 5:45 p.m.

All the clansmen arrived on time. Li Yongdao officially introduced Xiong Shaoqing and announced on the spot that she would be made the Young Clan Leader. To Xiong Shaoqing’s surprise, no one raised any objections. They all complied with Li Yongdao’s decision.

There were about five hundred clansmen. Although the number was not large, it showed the prestige Li Yongdao had within the Goumang clan. The clansmen all sincerely bowed to Xiong Shaoqing, honoring her as the Young Clan Leader. Li Yongdao said a few more comforting words, then dismissed the crowd.

The moonlight was like a stream of light, shining on the bamboo pavilion. The fresh scent of bamboo filled the air. In the center of the pavilion was a round table with an antique feel, and on the table were various bamboo-themed delicacies.

Li Yongdao picked up a piece of jade bamboo shoot with his chopsticks and put it in Xiong Shaoqing’s bowl with a graceful motion. He smiled and said, “Shaoqing, you’ve come at just the right time. Try this jade bamboo shoot; it’s so fresh! Take a bite, and the crisp, tender, and sweet taste will make you unforgettable.”

With that, he pointed to the bamboo-scented grilled fish, gesturing with his chopsticks in the air: “Look at this bamboo-scented grilled fish. The fish skin is grilled to a golden crisp, and the fish meat is tender and smooth. The combination of the fish and bamboo aromas gets more flavorful the more you chew it. I guarantee you’ll like it!”

Xiong Shaoqing nodded gently, a hint of warmth flashing in her eyes: “These mountain delicacies do have a unique flavor. The stewed pigeon with bamboo fungus, for example, is very delicious. Uncle, you’ve gone to a lot of trouble.”

She paused, then reached for a bag next to her and handed it to Li Yongdao: “I brought some local specialties from Feidu City. I was busy in the military camp and didn’t have time to pick them carefully, so I don’t know if they suit your taste.” Xiong Shaoqing was a little embarrassed and unconsciously squeezed the bamboo chopsticks in her right hand.

“Hahaha,” Li Yongdao laughed heartily. “Shaoqing, you’re still being so formal with your uncle! It’s too distant!”

The aroma of the food filled the air as Xiong Shaoqing and Li Yongdao savored the delicacies. At the same time, a private room in Tianxiang Tower was also filled with various delicacies.

The candlelight flickered. Peng Yong-shen, with a gentle smile on her face, poured a glass of wine for Huang Yu: “Huang Yu, thank you for helping me back to my room last time and for helping me apply the medicine. I’ve always kept it in my heart. This cup of wine is to show my gratitude.”

After speaking, she raised her wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, her posture elegant.

Huang Yu was already a straightforward person. Seeing Peng Yong-shen’s generous gesture, she didn’t hold back either. She picked up her wine glass, drank it down, and laughed heartily: “Cheers! We’re always eating bland food in the military camp. It’s rare to come out and have a good meal.”

“Isn’t that right?” Peng Yong-shen covered her mouth and chuckled. “This crispy duck is the signature dish here. Don’t be shy, eat as much as you want!”

She enthusiastically greeted Huang Yu, but a hint of calculation flashed in her eyes. She continued to work hard to get close to her.

After a few glasses of wine, Peng Yong-shen seized the opportunity and spoke casually: “Huang Yu, you’ve been in the camp for a while now. What do you think of our Team Leader Xiong?”

Huang Yu was gnawing on a piece of duck meat. When she heard this, she was stunned for a moment, then gave an unhesitating thumbs-up: “Team Leader Xiong is definitely top-notch! She’s highly skilled in martial arts. The last time you challenged her, in the end, she didn’t hold a grudge against you and even gave you medicine. She’s really loyal!”

The smile on the corner of Peng Yong-shen’s mouth froze slightly, but it quickly returned to normal. She sighed softly: “Yes, I originally wanted to invite her to join us, but I couldn’t find her anywhere. I wonder what she’s been busy with.”

She paused, a hint of jealousy in her tone: “She’s always so mysterious. It’s one thing that she’s so skilled in martial arts, but she also has so much energy. Sometimes I wonder if she’s made of steel.” With that, she shook her head in a helpless manner.

“Sigh, I wonder when I’ll be able to catch up to her.” Peng Yong-shen lowered her eyes, her voice full of frustration, but a hidden light of unwillingness was in her eyes.

Huang Yu reached out and patted Peng Yong-shen’s shoulder heavily, laughing heartily: “Don’t sigh. We’re sisters in the same camp. If you want to catch up to her, just train hard! If you don’t understand something, go ask her. The last time I asked her for advice on some moves, she was very patient.”

Peng Yong-shen secretly rolled her eyes but maintained her smile, nodding perfunctorily: “You’re right, I’m just too impatient.”

She knew in her heart that her plan to win over Huang Yu to oppose Xiong Shaoqing was a bust. It seemed she would have to rethink her strategy and find another way.

The moon was high in the sky. Li Yongdao handed the family tree to Xiong Shaoqing. Now that she was the Young Clan Leader, she should become familiar with the clan’s affairs. The family tree detailed the names, family situations, special skills, and other information of the clansmen.

Xiong Shaoqing’s slender fingers gently stroked the edges of the family tree, her eyes showing a look of scrutiny as she carefully read through the yellowed pages.

Suddenly, her gaze stopped at a name—Xu Jing. The family tree recorded that she had excellent light footwork and her mother was from the Zhuoguang clan. Xiong Shaoqing remembered that before she left the capital, Liu Hanyue had told her about the situation in the country of Shu.

The Zhuoguang people had always been eyeing the country of Shu, often raiding the border. The conscription this time was also to prepare for resisting the Zhuoguang people.

Xiong Shaoqing lightly tapped on Xu Jing’s name on the family tree, looked up at Li Yongdao, and asked with a hint of concern in her tone: “Uncle, this Xu Jing has exceptional light footwork. How much do you know about her?”

Li Yongdao tilted his head and drank the wine in his cup. When he heard the question, he was slightly stunned: “Xu Jing? She’s Steward Xu’s daughter, and her mother is from the Zhuoguang clan.

“The Zhuoguang people have always forbidden marriage with outsiders, but back then, Xu Jing’s mother, for the sake of Steward Xu, left her family and clan and eloped with him to our Goumang Peak, where they settled down peacefully.”

With that, he refilled his cup and took a small sip, a smile on his face: “Later, they had Xu Jing. I even held that little girl back then! The family of three lived a life that was so harmonious and joyful to see.”

A hint of urgency flashed in Xiong Shaoqing’s eyes as she looked at Li Yongdao, her tone sincere: “That’s wonderful, Uncle. I have something important I’d like to ask them. Would you be able to take me to see them tomorrow?”

Li Yongdao waved his hand, laughing heartily: “Of course! You’re the Young Clan Leader now. Steward Xu helps a lot with the clan’s affairs. As the clan leader, I should properly introduce you to them.”

With that, he looked at the sky: “It’s getting late. Shaoqing, you should rest first. We’ll go and visit Steward Xu’s family tomorrow.”

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