The Woman Disguised Herself as a Man and Abolished the Prince, Married a Princess and called the Empress - Chapter 16

The Xuanbing Camp Welcomes New Recruits, and an Old Acquaintance Is Met in Qingyun Garden

“Greetings, Battalion Commander.” Xiong Shaoqing stood to the side, her back ramrod straight.

Lin Jingmo’s gaze was as sharp as a hawk’s. It lingered briefly on Xu Jing before settling steadily on Xiong Shaoqing. “Your cousin has some talent, able to get a special entry into the camp with a recommendation from Princess Qinglan.”

After she spoke, she paused slightly, her expression instantly turning stern. An undeniable air of authority emanated from her. “However, even if she is your cousin, there can be no favoritism.

“Showing her favoritism would harm her and break the camp’s rules, affecting morale. The consequences are something neither you nor I can bear.”

Hearing this, Xiong Shaoqing’s eyes were resolute, without the slightest hesitation. “Commander, don’t worry. Military discipline is like a mountain. I know my place. Once Xu Jing enters the Xuanbing Camp, she’s just a regular female soldier. I won’t treat her any differently because she’s my cousin. She’ll be trained just like everyone else.”

Lin Jingmo’s face brightened, her gaze still stern but full of anticipation. “I hope you don’t disappoint me. You must do what you say. Xu Jing is new, and the road ahead is full of challenges.

“As a squad leader, you must make it clear to her that in the Xuanbing Camp, only true skill can ensure a stable footing. There are no exceptions!”

Xiong Shaoqing nodded solemnly. “Commander, rest assured, I will live up to my word.”

“Good. Take her to arrange her living quarters.”

“Yes, Commander.”

Xiong Shaoqing led Xu Jing away from the tent. Along the way, she walked and introduced the Xuanbing Camp’s situation to Xu Jing, her eyes constantly observing the surroundings to ensure the information was conveyed accurately.

Xu Jing listened quietly, her eyes focused, taking in every detail.

About the time it takes for two sticks of incense to burn, the two arrived at the barracks. Xiong Shaoqing pushed open the door and gestured for Xu Jing to enter. “This is your bunk. New recruits all live in ten-person dorms. We have strict discipline and a regular schedule, so you need to adapt quickly.”

She worried that Xu Jing would struggle to adapt to the harsh environment here but knew that only by going through this could Xu Jing truly grow.

Xu Jing nodded seriously. Xiong Shaoqing watched her, then pointed to the bed. “Put your luggage down first. Your roommates are all training on the field. I’ll take you over.”

Xu Jing did as she was told.

A quarter of a year passed in a flash, and it was almost vacation time again. During this period, Huang Yu greatly admired Xiong Shaoqing because she had shone so brightly in the competition between old and new recruits.

Added to their previous secret conversation, their relationship grew closer. They often sparred, and Huang Yu’s martial arts skills improved significantly.

Xiong Shaoqing was deeply gratified to see Huang Yu’s progress. It was rare to have a like-minded partner.

As their relationship grew better and better, Peng Yongzhen became more and more restless. She also began to secretly form cliques and develop her own faction. Just as she was taking action, an orderly from Vice Commander Feng Jueying came to her and invited her to meet.

Peng Yongzhen arrived at Feng Jueying’s tent. Feng Jueying had her orderly guard the door, not allowing anyone to approach.

“Peng Yongzhen, we meet again. The last time you visited, I was busy, and I’m sorry for the inconvenience.” Feng Jueying’s attitude was gentle.

Peng Yongzhen was inwardly surprised. Feng Jueying’s attitude towards her had done a complete 180. The last time, she was practically given the cold shoulder. Even though they belonged to the same faction, her status was low, and being treated with indifference was normal.

Feng Jueying caught the flash of surprise on Peng Yongzhen’s face. The smile on her lips deepened, and a hint of a smug glint appeared in her eyes. She slowly raised her hand, picked up a teacup, gently blew on the foam, and took a small sip before speaking leisurely.

“The reason I called you here is that there’s something I need your help with.” Her voice was low, with a deliberate air of mystery, as if to imply to Peng Yongzhen that this would be a life-changing opportunity.

In reality, it was just a calculation she made to consolidate her power.

Peng Yongzhen snapped back to reality, her face filled with a humble smile. “Commander, please feel free to give me your orders. It is a great honor to be summoned by you. I will do my best and go through fire and water if needed.”

Her expression showed no sign of the earlier cold reception. In reality, she was quickly calculating in her mind how to get the most benefit from this matter.

Feng Jueying’s lips curled into a meaningful smile. Her eyes, however, were full of cunning. “Commander? I’m not a commander,” she chuckled, leaning slightly forward and lowering her voice.

“The new recruit squad leader, Xiong Shaoqing, is your roommate, right? I need you to keep a close eye on her. Report any movement on her end to me immediately.”

“Oh, what are you saying, Commander? In my heart, you are already a true commander. Who in this Xuanbing Camp doesn’t know about your skill and prestige?” Peng Yongzhen said with a fawning smile, patting her chest to promise.

“Commander, don’t worry. Yongzhen will not fail you! I will keep a close eye on Xiong Shaoqing. Not a single stir will escape my notice.”

In reality, she was thinking that this was a great opportunity to suppress Xiong Shaoqing and curry favor with Feng Jueying. As long as she handled it well, her life in the camp would definitely be more comfortable.

“Haha,” Feng Jueying laughed heartily, her face full of triumph. “You’re a sharp one! But don’t use the title ‘Commander’ in front of others. It might cause trouble for me.”

Peng Yongzhen nodded repeatedly, her smile growing even wider. “Commander, don’t worry, Yongzhen knows what to do. The matter you’ve entrusted to me, I’ll handle perfectly and will never cause you trouble.”

“Just like my name, ‘Yong’ is everlasting and ‘Shen’ is profound. I’ve always been a steady person and know my limits.”

Feng Jueying patted Peng Yongzhen on the shoulder, encouraging her to do a good job.

Peng Yongzhen had initially wanted to report about the medicine Xiong Shaoqing had given her but changed her mind. She was worried that if the higher-ups knew of Xiong Shaoqing’s value, they would try to recruit her. If Xiong Shaoqing were also brought into the faction, Peng Yongzhen would be forever under her thumb.

She was not willing to accept this, so she decided to keep the secret and find another opportunity to sow discord, using her faction’s power to deal with Xiong Shaoqing.

While Peng Yongzhen was secretly making her plans, Xiong Shaoqing was on the training ground, giving pointers to Huang Yu. Huang Yu listened intently and benefited greatly.

“Shaoqing, it’s vacation tomorrow. I have to treat you to a meal! I’ve kept all the guidance you’ve given me in my heart, and I can’t let it go unrewarded!” Huang Yu said cheerfully.

The corners of Xiong Shaoqing’s lips curled into a smile. “Alright. Let’s go to Feidu City tomorrow and have a good time.”

Just as she finished speaking, a figure glided over as lightly as a swallow. It was Xu Jing. She skipped over to them, her bright, big eyes sparkling. When she heard “meal,” she instantly perked up and shouted loudly.

“Wow, good food! Sister, you can’t leave me behind! It’s been so long since I’ve been to the city. I’m starving!”

Huang Yu saw Xu Jing’s eager look, laughed heartily, and waved her hand. “Hey, what’s the big deal? The more the merrier! Welcome, let’s all go and eat to our hearts’ content!”

Xiong Shaoqing raised her hand and gently tapped Xu Jing on the head, a faint smile on her lips. “Always so greedy, you little glutton.”

Xu Jing stuck out her tongue, not caring at all.

The next day, the three of them went down the mountain and arrived at Feidu City. To show her deep gratitude, Huang Yu generously spent half a month’s salary to host a banquet at the Tianxiang Pavilion. Xiong Shaoqing knew Huang Yu’s background as a traveling street performer and was touched that she was so generous despite earning money with great difficulty.

The three sat down, and before all the dishes were served, Xu Jing grabbed a hot chicken leg, a triumphant smile on her face. She took a quick bite, her expression one of complete satisfaction.

Xiong Shaoqing secretly mused that the little girl must have been traumatized by the food at the Xuanbing Camp. After all, she must have eaten many delicacies on Goumang Peak before.

Thinking of this, she shook her head helplessly, but her eyes held a smile. She curled her finger and gently tapped the table. “Little Jing, you’re such a scamp. You can never be patient.”

Huang Yu saw Xu Jing’s impatient look and, instead of being annoyed, laughed heartily, her voice cheerful. “Eating is about being comfortable! Why bother with all those complicated rules? If you wait for all the dishes to be served, the first ones will already be cold!”

“Exactly, exactly,” Xu Jing mumbled with her mouth full of chicken.

Watching Xu Jing eat with such gusto, Huang Yu was a little stunned. This scene touched a chord deep within her heart. She had wandered through the world without a home. Later, she entered the Xuanbing Camp, lived a collective life, and made a good friend in Xiong Shaoqing.

She had met Xu Jing several times before, but never this close. Xu Jing’s playfulness and vivacity were like a fresh breeze, blowing away the heaviness in Huang Yu’s heart.

Although Xu Jing didn’t have a stunningly beautiful face, she was pretty and amiable. Her eyes were bright as stars, full of spirit and innocence, making people want to get closer to her. Her sense of ease and contentment made Huang Yu’s heart flutter.

“What are you spacing out for? The dishes are all here, so hurry up and eat.” Xiong Shaoqing reached out and lightly touched Huang Yu. When Huang Yu came back to her senses, Xiong Shaoqing asked casually, “What are you thinking about, so lost in thought?”

A blush immediately crept up Huang Yu’s cheeks. She scratched her head, her eyes subconsciously darting elsewhere, and she stammered, “Nothing… just thinking about where we should go after we finish eating.”

As she spoke, she unconsciously rubbed the corner of her clothes, a stark contrast to her usual carefree demeanor.

The corner of Xiong Shaoqing’s lips lifted into a slight smile. “On the way here, I heard someone say that Qingyun Garden has two new performers with a unique style of opera. Shall we go and see it together?”

“Watch an opera? Sounds good!” Huang Yu’s eyes immediately lit up. She agreed without a second thought. She had seen many street performers during her years of traveling but had never had the chance to go into an opera house to listen to a proper performance.

Xu Jing had grown up on Goumang Peak and had even fewer opportunities to enjoy opera performances. She was naturally full of anticipation.

After eating, the three of them chatted and laughed, heading straight for Qingyun Garden. Inside the garden, the sounds of strings and bamboo flutes were melodious. Opera fans were packed shoulder-to-shoulder, eagerly awaiting a feast for their ears and eyes.

Xiong Shaoqing had the waiter find them a private room. The three of them sat in the best spot. Just as the waiter brought up fruits and tea, on the stage, a female Dan actress was dressed as a male scholar. Her eyes were fluid, and her demeanor was dignified. A young Sheng actor, dressed in white, looked at her with affection.

“Before the study door, a plum branch, birds on the tree sing to each other. Magpies chirping all over the branches, coming to bring good news to you, Brother Liang.”

As soon as the Dan actress sang, Xiong Shaoqing was inwardly surprised. Wasn’t this an opera genre from the Kingdom of Yu? The singing style had typical characteristics of the Kingdom of Yu.

Xiong Shaoqing used her innate bloodline talent, gathering her spiritual energy in her eyes. She focused and saw that the Dan actress was Chen Yunxiao and the Sheng actor was Li Lijun. They were both famous performers from the Kingdom of Yu. How could they be in the Kingdom of Shu?

Yunxiao’s singing was mellow, and Lijun’s delivery was full of emotion. Their movements were meticulous, with every detail perfectly executed.

Xu Jing and Huang Yu were completely absorbed in the performance and didn’t notice Xiong Shaoqing, who had fallen into deep thought.

Xiong Shaoqing’s mind raced. She recalled having seen them in her father’s study. At that time, her father’s confidant, Zhao Yu, was discussing important matters with them.

Could it be that Zhao Yu sent them here to find out her whereabouts? Xiong Shaoqing wasn’t worried now.

After all, she had returned to her female attire. Yunxiao and Lijun had always thought she was a man and had never seen her in women’s clothes.

The stage was also far away. The audience was packed. She had to use her bloodline talent to see their faces clearly. Even if they had great martial arts skills, they wouldn’t be able to discover her in this situation.

She wondered how Zhao Yu was doing. Since he could send Yunxiao and Lijun, he must be safe and hadn’t been implicated. As her father’s sworn brother, he had a life-and-death friendship with him, but times had changed. She would need to inquire about the situation before making any further plans.

“Brother Liang, how can I bear your loneliness and unrest beneath the earth? I know your hatred and regret will not allow your eyes to close.”

Yunxiao’s mournful and sorrowful singing of the tomb scene tugged at Xiong Shaoqing’s thoughts.

When the opera ended, Xiong Shaoqing raised her hand and gestured for a busy waiter. “The Dan and Sheng on stage were truly outstanding. Are they new?”

The waiter answered quickly, “You have a good eye, sir. They just arrived at our troupe recently, only about a week ago, but their performances have already won a lot of praise.”

Xiong Shaoqing nodded in satisfaction. She smoothly pulled out five taels of silver from her money pouch and handed it to the waiter, a smile on her face. “This is for them. I hope they’ll perform often.”

The waiter took the silver and thanked her repeatedly, promising to pass it on.

As dusk fell, the three of them walked out of Qingyun Garden, ready to return to the camp.

Huang Yu had just seen Xiong Shaoqing’s extraordinary gesture and teased her. “Shaoqing, you’re really extravagant! Five taels of silver is enough for an ordinary family to live on for half a year, and you just give it away!”

Xiong Shaoqing shrugged slightly, a gentle smile on her face. “The hardship of being an opera performer is something others don’t understand. Years of practice on singing, speaking, acting, and martial arts only bring a moment of glory on stage. They deserve this money.”

“You’re right! I remember when I was a street performer, under the sun and wind, what hardship didn’t I endure? At that time, I just hoped for a stable life. Now that I have it, this sense of stability is truly wonderful!” Huang Yu said with emotion.

When Xu Jing heard the words “street performer,” her eyes widened in curiosity. She bounced up to Huang Yu and asked.

“What? You used to be a street performer? Tell me all about it. What fun things did you encounter? When I first arrived in Feidu City, I saw a lot of street performers. It was so interesting!”

Huang Yu was infected by her enthusiasm. She puffed out her chest, her face full of pride, and excitedly began to tell her stories. “Oh, there’s so much to tell! One time…”

As she spoke, she gestured with her hands, her face lit up, and she became completely engrossed in her past memories, getting more and more excited.

Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves was like thunder, mixed with cries and screams. “Oh no! The Zhuoguang people are here. Run!”

Shops quickly closed, and the streets were filled with panicked, fleeing figures.

Seeing this, Xiong Shaoqing’s expression became stern. She instantly gave an order. “Huang Yu, you protect Xu Jing. I’ll cover the rear!” Before she finished speaking, she had already drawn her sword and faced the invading enemies.

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