Chapter 132: Enduring Hardships Together

Chapter 132: Enduring Hardships Together

The military camp wasnt large. It was about one or two miles from the official road, with slightly elevated terrain, backed by a small river. The camp gate wasnt directly facing the road but instead was curved, situated at the top of a gentle slope. There was a tall wooden tower, surrounded by numerous buildings of varying sizes within the camp, indicating its long-standing presence.

Chief Commander Han Xing introduced the grounds, This is one of the twelve new military camps near the Capital. This one is specifically for training infantry. I spent a few days here when I was in my teens, but its been a while since I last came. Looks like nothing much has changed.

Its impressive to think that a Chief Commander can be trained in just a few days, Prince Donghai finally mounted his horse, but he still looked tired. He really wanted to rush into the camp immediately, find a comfortable bed, and lie down. Even if there were to be another change of emperors, he didnt feel like getting up.

Hehe, at that time, I was already a captain in the Southern Army. I came here to manage the arsenal, not for training, Han Xing replied, gazing up at the gate tower of the camp, lost in thought.

Why isnt anyone coming out to greet you, Chief Commander? Prince Donghai also looked towards the gate tower, where soldiers could vaguely be seen.

I requested to keep everything simple. Since were not entering the camp, why bother the officers to come out and greet us? The volunteer army stays here for now. Weary Marquis, Prince Donghai, come enter the city with me.

The military camp was not far from the Capital. If there were no trees blocking the view, one could see the city walls clearly. Along the official road a few miles away, there was a small town bustling with people, its occasional clamor drifting over.

Han Ruzi and Prince Donghai followed Han Xings finger and saw behind the trees by the road, there was a temporary camp, surrounded by wooden fences. Instead of constructed houses, there were tents inside.

Are we letting the volunteer army stay in a place like this? Prince Donghai asked in surprise.

There are many rules in the military camp. The volunteer army is newly established, and they might not be accustomed, so theyll stay temporarily outside. Once they are formally organized and equipped with banners and armor, they will have their own camp and wont need to reside here, Han Xing explained.

Prince Donghai looked at Han Ruzi; he had already warned him not to enter the city, as it would be difficult to come out once inside.

Han Ruzi looked at his clothes, I cant enter the city like this. Ill send someone to my manor to fetch some clothes. Ill go express my gratitude to the Emperor tomorrow.

Prince Donghai nodded slightly, but he felt that this excuse was quite weak.

Han Xing hesitated slightly, After entering the city, you can return home first, and then visit the palace to express gratitude tomorrow.

Han Ruzi shook his head, Chief COmmander said I should set an example to the world. But how can I face people like this? Lets wait for one night.

Han Xing smiled, Weary Marquis, youre thinking too much. Well then, since you insist, lets enter the city tomorrow. I need to return to the palace to report. How about leaving ten guards to protect the volunteer armys camp from unauthorized persons?

That would be great, Han Ruzi said politely.

Han Xing watched as the volunteer army entered the temporary camp before turning his horse around to lead the guards back to the city.

For the militiamen who were accustomed to living in straw huts, tents were a novelty; they didnt find them crude at all. Jin Chundong and Chao Hua distributed the tents, around one per squad, established orders and duties, and then it was time for dinner.

The food, brought from the military camp, was simple: boiled grains, vegetables, and meat cooked into a porridge-like consistency, enough to fill their stomachs. Since their hearty meal the previous night, the rebel army hadnt eaten yet, so they savored the hot porridge eagerly.

Han Ruzi and Prince Donghais stay were unexpected. Hence, the military camp hadnt prepared any fine dishes for them. They ate the same food as the soldiers, standing by the tent entrance with the guards, watching over the large pot of food.

At first, Prince Donghai disagreed, There must be officers rations in the new military camp, maybe even some wine. Let them bring it.

Han Ruzi was exhausted and didnt feel like moving once he lay down.

Across from him, Prince Donghai poked and prodded for a while before finally sitting down. Is this really fit for human habitation?

The vast majority of the million-strong army of the Chu empire probably eat and sleep like this. In the future, when we go to the northern frontier, well have to eat and live with the soldiers, sharing hardships. We need to get used to it now, Han Ruzi replied.

Heh, sharing hardships, eating and living together. Those are just words in military manuals. Ive been to military camps before, and not to mention generals, even low-ranking officials of the sixth or seventh ranks have all sorts of special accommodations. They even have women. Do you believe that? Prince Donghai scoffed.

Han Ruzi smiled but didnt respond; he just wanted to sleep quietly.

The military camp took care of its neighbors quite well, sending plenty of hot water. After marching, they could skip bathing but not washing their feet. Despite his exhaustion, Han Ruzi sat up to soak his feet for a while, feeling refreshed as the warmth enveloped him.

Prince Donghai hummed a few times. At home, someone else always washes my feet for me. Let your attendants or those silly women from the village come and help. Theyre not soldiers, but they should be useful living in the camp, right?

There was no candlelight inside the tent. Han Ruzi yawned, saying, There will be even tougher days ahead; we should get used to it now. By the way, why do you think the Empress Dowager wont let me go? She has appointed me the Northern Protection General

Thats obvious. Prince Donghais voice raised slightly before lowering again. Its a common tactic of the court. They grant you an official title to placate you, then once they have complete control over you, they would issue another edict, claiming that although you volunteered to head to battle and demonstrated commendable courage, the Emperor cannot bear to risk the personal safety of the Weary Marquis and has other important tasks for you in the future, and so on. Then they grant you another title, from a general to a grand general. But you wont be able to leave. Before, you could still stroll outside, but from now on, youll be confined to your manor and be unable to step out of the gate. If you intend live out the rest of your days in peace and quiet, you can return to the city, but who knows how long the rest of your days will last. If the Empress Dowager becomes displeased one day, or if the young Emperor grows wary in the future, theyll surely find an excuse to poison you.

Has something like this happened before?

Haha, Ive even practised drafting similar edict before. Ive told you before, Ive been preparing to be Emperor since I was young, but unfortunately sigh.

But Han Xing didnt show any intention of forcing me into the city.

Of course not. Han Xing is a well-known amiable person. The Empress Dowager sent him to mislead you, so naturally, he wouldnt use force. Wait until tomorrow; I doubt it will be Han Xing who comes.

Han Ruzi thought for a moment. Its not feasible to camp outside the city forever. If the Empress Dowager really doesnt want me to go to the northern frontier, what should I do?

Prince Donghai, unconcerned about the rough bedding, lay down. Then I dont know; youll have to figure it out yourself.

Han Ruzi chuckled. Are you still thinking about Grand Tutor Cui?

Prince Donghai snorted coldly. It is his mistake that he failed to kill me. Since he wants to play ruthlessly Prince Donghai didnt finish his sentence. He wouldnt reveal his plans to anyone, especially not to Han Ruzi.

Yang Feng also told me not to return to the Capital. Maybe I should contact him.

Dont be foolish. Yang Feng is currently assisting the Champion Marquis, not you. If he tells you not to return to the Capital, its to deal with the Empress Dowager. If you go to him, its like leaving one danger and entering another. Dont forget, the Champion Marquis wanted to kill you last night too. Hes not daring now, but hed be happy to keep you in his grasp.

Han Ruzi trusted Yang Feng more, but he also felt that this wasnt the right opportunity to seek refuge with him. Someday, Yang Feng should be the one seeking refuge with him.

Han Ruzi was too tired to think of a solution and fell asleep, just like Prince Donghai across from him, who was unaware of when the attendants had taken away the foot-washing water.

Unlike the two youths sleeping soundly, several people closely related to them stayed awake all night.

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CH 131CH 133