Chapter 21 - Scary

Because the Navy needed to be expanded urgently, the new recruits’ camp would hold an evaluation test every month, ever since it was founded. They tried to select as many talents as possible to join the Navy, and get them familiarized with the battleship and drilled them with military tactics. The locally recruited children from poor families were very hardworking. That was because they knew that they did not have much opportunities that could allow them to change their lives.

Ever since His Majesty announced that new recruits could attain the status as a military soldier if they got selected after the evaluation test, the new recruits became a lot more motivated. Disregarding everything else, just the fact that military families did not have to pay taxes alone was enough to fight hard for it.

However, the number of new recruits who got selected to join the combat military force every month was very little. This was because Zhuang Yong was very strict - he valued quality over quantity; he wanted actual soldiers.

When Shen Leng was training, he heard a piece of news that Pang Zhang, the person in charge of the new recruits’ camp, had violated the military’s code of conduct and got demoted to squadron leader. He was still in recovery at the moment. After he had recovered, he would be sent back to the combat military.

As for the few people who launched a sneak attack on Shen Leng that night, they were expelled from the military camp immediately. To them, it was a huge ordeal. That was because after they got kicked out of the military camp, they would not be able to hold their heads high for a long, long time. Not only would they be reprimanded by their family, they would also be gossiped about in their hometown. However, who could they blame for their plight?

Nobody knew who was going to replace Pang Zhang in the new recruits’ camp, but Shen Leng no longer cared about any of these. The evaluation test would be held tomorrow - he was one step closer to leaving the new recruits’ camp.

This time, there were two new recruits who were publicly known to be the best within the new recruits’ camp. One of them was named Du Weiming. He was from Anyang, and had been practicing martial arts since he was a child. His dad was an armed escort. His family led a slightly easier life compared to ordinary folks. However, it was not significantly better.

Naturally, the other person was Shen Leng.

Even though Shen Leng had only been there for a few days, on the first day he arrived, he was made to run ten rounds around the entire Navy barracks, which was an absolutely insane feat. He had become a legend in the new recruits’ camp ever since.

After the morning training had ended, Shen Leng noticed that the guy named Du Weiming did not take his meal. He was the only person in the new recruits’ camp who maintained hostility towards Shen Leng the entire time. It was not because Shen Leng had offended him, but rather, he had threatened his position in the new recruits’ camp.

When they were eating, he heard Yang Qibao mention that General Zhuang Ying was heading to Anyang’s dock today. Shen Leng guessed that it was probably because General Zhuang might have some new ideas after the conversation he had with him two days ago.

General Zhuang was not around, hence, it was inevitable that some people could not help but stir up havoc. Tomorrow was the evaluation test for the new recruits. For the time being, they could only see how much chaos there would be.

Shen Leng was not afraid, even if his opponent was somewhat unreasonably powerful - the Great Scholar’s only son…

Mu Xiaofeng was burning a very valuable sandalwood in his room. It was something that his father had arranged to be delivered to him periodically. The Great Scholar knew that his son had always fancied such scents since he was a child. If they did not burn the sandalwood, he would not have a peace of mind.

On the other hand, Du Weiming could not really get used to the smell - he kept feeling as though his nose was itching, making him want to sneeze. However, he had no choice but to tolerate. In front of the other new recruits, he had always been very arrogant. But when he was in front of Mu Xiaofeng, he was always in fear and trepidation - he did not even dare to breathe too loudly.

“An honest man says nothing deceitful.”

Mu Xiaofeng saw down and pulled open his drawer. He took out some gold ingot. “These are for you. I need you to do something for me.”

Du Weiwing got quite a shock. “Military Officer, just let me know what you need me to do. You don’t have to give me any of these.”

“I insist.”

Mu Xiaofeng said plainly, “If it’s something ordinary, indeed, I will casually order you to get it done. However, what I want is your future in the Navy. Hence, even this is not enough for me to pay you.”

Du Weiming was completely taken aback. “I…I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.”

“You see my face?”

Mu Xiaofeng pointed to the area on his face that was covered in gauze. He tore it open and immediately, Du Weiming got so scared that his face went pale.

“It got cut by someone. And that someone who did it is in the new recruits’ camp.”

Mu Xiaofeng placed the gauze back properly. “Tomorrow is the day of the evaluation test for the new recruits. I want you to help me kill Shen Leng…I know that you are highly skilled in martial arts - since you were little, your father has trained you stringently, making you who you are today. If nothing bad were to happen, you should be able to make a name for yourself within the Navy very soon. For all you know, you might become a commander in five years time. And in ten years time, you can possibly become a military officer. However, do you think it’s that easy to get through the critical juncture before you can become a military officer?”

“You’re from an ordinary family; becoming a Class A Sixth pin military officer in ten years is possibly the highest you can go. If you’re a Fifth pin official and above, you will be called a general, even though it is just a mere deputy general. However, without an opportunity, someone like you will never be able to climb the ranks.

Du Weiming’s facial expression kept fluctuating. He was filled with fear.

Killing someone in the military?

If I agree to it, I might even lose my life, let alone my future.

But if I don’t agree to it? He is the son of the Great Scholar - he has all sorts of means to ruin his family.

“I know you’re scared.”

Mu Xiaofeng continued, “These gold are more than enough to buy a person’s life. However, evidently, your life is worth more than that…I have already made arrangements. In tomorrow’s evaluation, you will be paired up with Shen Leng. The two of you will face each other in the arena. Before you go into the arena, someone will pass you a dagger. Naturally, nobody can trace it back to me.”

Du Weiming fell to his knees and used his strength to kowtow. “Military Officer, please let me go. I will go home today, and I will definitely not divulge anything you told me. Please let me go.”

“I have already chosen you. Do you think you have any other options?”

Mu Xiaofeng stood up and walked over to Du Weiming. He squatted down and patted him on the shoulder. “I don’t like to threaten people, because it is not classy at all. I only want to reiterate the inevitable consequence…If you don’t agree to my request, something bad might happen to your father on the job. If anything happens to your father, it’ll be over for your family.”

“In order to help you train in martial arts, even if your family is not considered to be very poor, you’re not that much better off. Without your father, how is your mother going to support the family? I’m afraid you won’t be able to keep your house. Your family does not have a field either. Ultimately, your mom might end up wandering on the streets and get bitten to death by wild dogs.”

Whenever he spoke a sentence, Du Weiming would tremble. His face was as white as a sheet of paper.

“If you become an army deserter, you will only end up meeting your demise, without a doubt.

Mu Xiaofeng helped Du Weiming up and pulled him over to the table, before pointing to the gold. “Don’t be so preoccupied with being afraid first. Finish hearing what I have to say. These gold ingots are not for you - they are for your parents. Take them and rush back home. Explain everything clearly to them, and get them to leave immediately with these gold. Tell them to go to Huaiyuan city to buy a yard. As long as they do not squander the remaining money, it should last them for another twenty years without a problem, provided they lead a normal life.

“Jiangnan’s Garrison B’s general, Bai Shangnian, has close ties with my father. Before I got here, my father had told General Bai Shangnian to take good care of me…Tomorrow, after you kill Shen Leng in the arena, you will be locked up immediately. At night, my men will rescue you and you will be sent to General Bai Shangnian’s place.

Mu Xiaofeng smiled and said, “You shouldn’t doubt me. Based on my abilities, it’s not difficult for me to give you a new identity…Once your family gains a new title as a military family, I guarantee you that within three years, you will make a name for yourself in Garrison B, and within five years, you will get promoted to military officer. Once you have accumulated some credits, my father can put in a word for you, and you will be able to cross the gateway to a status that you can never attain in your entire life by yourself. In less than ten years, you will be able to become an actual general, bringing honor to your family.

Mu Xiaofeng walked back and sat down. He had spoken too much, hence, the wound on his face hurt really badly. As for Du Weiming, he was still trembling. This made him a lot more jittery than he already was.

“I don’t have much time for you to consider. Since you’ve already heard everything I’ve said, naturally, I will not give you the opportunity to divulge everything. Your only option is to accede to my request. Do you still not understand this?”

“I...understand.”

Du Weiming fell to his knees once again and started kowtowing with all his might. “Military Officer, I…I don’t dare.”

“At the critical moment, you will naturally have the guts to do it. Think about your father and your mother. As well as your future.”

Mu Xiaofeng pushed the gold ingots towards him. “Are you taking it or not?”

If he had the option not to take it, Du Weiming would definitely not do it. But did he have a choice?

Father, mother, house…

Du Weiming thought to himself: If Mu Xiaofeng was not lying to me, with the help of his influential family, it will not be hard for me to become a general within ten years. All I have to do is change my name…

“I’ll take it!”

Du Weiming stood up and took the gold ingots with both hands. “I have acceded to your request.”

“Hahahaha, a wise man allows himself to be guided by the current course of events. You are a person with a bright future.”

Mu Xiaofeng’s laugh sounded happier than usual, even though it made his face hurt more. “In a while, when you leave from the back of the camp, someone has arranged a horse for you. Hurry home and make those arrangements. It will not be a problem for you to rush back before nightfall. I will arrange for someone to send your parents to Huaiyuan city. If nothing happens, everything will be settled within five to six days.

“Garrison B has a greater clout in Jiangnan, compared to the Navy. Think about it - you will be one of the generals in Garrison B in the future.

Du Weiming said in a hoarse voice, “I only hope that you mean what you say.”

Mu Xiaofeng had a cold look in his eyes. “Who am I? Why do I have to lie to you?”

Du Weiming thought about it and realized that what he said made sense. He bowed before turning around and leaving.

Mu Xiaofeng leaned against the chair and heaved a long sigh of relief. He thought to himself about how he could still achieve what he wanted without the help of his father. It was just getting rid of an impetuous fella. It was only harder because this was the Navy. If they were in Garrison B, Shen Leng’s corpse would already be rotting by now.

And at the same time, within the vast palace in Changan city, Great Ning’s emperor put down the memorial in his hand and smiled at the Great Scholar Mu Zhaotong, who already had a head full of white hair, and said, “This should have been written by Nanping River’s Navy commander Zhuang Yong half a month ago. You have raised a good son. I received reports about his military merits every month. I need to think about how to reward him.”

Great Scholar Mu Zhaotong smiled so hard that his eyes had disappeared into a line. He quickly thanked the emperor.

The emperor picked up his writing brush and wrote down ‘Class A Fifth pin Yongyi General’. Just as he was about to pass it to Mu Zhaotong to take a look, he saw his chamberlain come running towards him with a box, sealed with wax, in his hands.

The chamberlain placed the box on his desk before bowing and taking his leave. The emperor removed the wax seal. When he opened the memorial, his face fell.

It was the urgent memorial that Zhuang Yong had gotten someone to send it over to him. It only took seven days and nights to get to Changan city from the Nanping River.

Mu Xiaofeng had committed a mistake, but Zhuang Yong decided to shoulder the blame instead.

The emperor muttered to himself for a moment and passed the memorial to Mu Zhaotong, who was overwhelmed by favor. The emperor was willing to show him an expedited memorial - it reflected a great amount of trust. However, after he finished reading it, Mu Zhaotong’s face fell. He looked extremely unhappy.

“This…this unfilial son!”

Mu Zhaotong fell to his knees, “Your Majesty, please issue an imperial edict to punish him. I will have no complaints.”

The emperor walked down from his throne and passed the decree that he had just written to Mu Zhaotong. After Mu Zhaotong saw it, he lowered his head even more and said, “Your Majesty, please take back your decree, and severely punish my unfilial son!”

The emperor grunted. “Yes, I will take it back.”

Mu Zhaotong’s shoulders trembled a little. He did not dare to say anything.

The emperor took a new imperial edict. He muttered to himself for a moment once again and changed it to ‘Class B Fourth pin Yingyang General’. He got promoted half a rank…

He passed it to Mu Zhaotong and said, “It’s normal for young people to make mistakes. Quick, get up. I’m not that muddle-headed yet.”

Mu Zhaotong saw the imperial edict and trembled even more. Of course, a part of it was only for show. As a senior figure in three succeeding regimes, he knew how to act so well that it looked completely natural.

“Your Majesty, this cannot be. Please take back your order.”

“Say no more. Think on my behalf, how should I deal with Zhuang Yong for not being stringent enough?”

Mu Zhaotong immediately understood. He quickly said, “General Zhuang is trying to protect my unfilial son. He did not do anything wrong. Your Majesty, please be fair.”

The emperor seemed as though he was put on the spot. “Then…I will take note of this for now. In future, if he makes a mistake again, I will punish him all at once.”

“Your Majesty is a brilliant ruler.”

The emperor laughed. He stamped his seal on the imperial edict, and instructed his subordinate to send it to the Nanping River’s Navy camp. He got up and moved his body for a bit. “Once all the water bandits on the Nanping River are eradicated, where do you think the Navy should head to?”

Mu Zhaotong laughed bitterly to himself. Your Majesty, you are too great. I acknowledge allegiance to you.

Everyone was already well aware of the fact that he wanted to use the Navy to deal with the problems that southern coastal border regions had been facing. However, there were a lot of opposition within the imperial court about this matter - for the Navy to go into battle, it would consume a huge amount of taxes. It would utilize too much manpower and troops. Besides, their opponent was the Qiuli Empire, which was a very small country. Even if they won, it would not mean much. And if they lost, it would be too embarrassing…

His Majesty forced him into taking his side by promoting his son. A third of the entire imperial court looked at the Great Scholar, who was the deciding factor. If he did not object, this matter would go a lot more smoothly.

The emperor was a scary man.