Chapter 327: Chapter 292: Military Parade Preparations

During the following period, Zheng Yi constantly kept an eye on Zhang Shaoyang’s movements in the Canglan Realm while continuously dual cultivating with Tuoba Qingying.

Upon learning that Zheng Yi had mastered the Dual Cultivation Secret Technique, which could enhance cultivation through dual cultivation, Tuoba Qingying was eager to indulge in it.

At least four or five times a day.

Zheng Yi was more than willing.

With their continuous efforts, Zheng Yi’s Water Attribute Spirit Root rapidly increased, quickly breaking through to the Top-grade Realm.

And Tuoba Qingying’s magical power also became increasingly profound, with her cultivation quickly stabilizing.

Dual cultivation was beneficial to both of them, and Zheng Yi did not deceive Tuoba Qingying.

It’s just more beneficial for himself.

In the past, she cultivated in a place lacking Spiritual Qi, struggling to advance with the talent of the Celestial Spirit Root.

But even so, her cultivation progress was ten times, or even dozens of times, faster than an ordinary cultivator.

Now, Tuoba Qingying was in the Imperial Palace, where Spiritual Qi was most abundant, naturally making her cultivation speed faster.

As a result, their cultivation levels increased rapidly.

Apart from these two matters, Xu Mujun frequently sought out Zheng Yi, inquiring about the military parade ceremony.

Zheng Yi, based on his past life experiences, offered strategies, while Xu Mujun made slight adjustments according to the real situation of Great Yu at that time.

With Zheng Yi’s support, holy decrees and military orders swiftly issued by the Cabinet, the Ministry of Rites, and the Ministry of War soon reached the Great Yu Thirteen States, in the hands of various generals and garrison troops.

Black Mountain Pass.

Zhao Tieshan and Chen Hongxiu came together to the military tent, where Chen Wannian and Prince Xian had been waiting for a long time. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Subordinate Zhao Tieshan/ Chen Hongxiu pays respects to the General and greets the Prince!"

"Stand at ease."

Prince Xian first spoke: "Two Generals, I summoned you here today to discuss an important matter."

Zhao Tieshan was the first to speak, "Prince! Are those brats from Wu Country coming to cause trouble again? Perhaps I should lead the troops out of the pass to give those brats a good lesson!"

Ten years of guarding Black Mountain Pass made Zhao Tieshan and others consider this place their second home.

Especially Zhao Tieshan, who had even married in Black Mountain Pass, with children old enough to buy soy sauce.

As for Chen Hongxiu, she had never married, for some unknown reason.

Regardless of whether it was Chen Wannian or Prince Xian who proposed a match, she always declined, adhering to her father’s decisions.

For ten years, the hundred thousand troops garrisoned at Black Mountain Pass have withstood the advances of tens, even hundreds, of thousands of Wu Country troops, making it impossible for them to move south.

The early battle situation was very difficult, with Wu Country and Great Yu each leaving at least over a million corpses outside Black Mountain Pass.

Yet, even so, Black Mountain Pass remained under Great Yu’s control.

Over time, as the Empress of Wu Country gradually stabilized her position, the assaults on Black Mountain Pass decreased considerably.

From the encircling assault by hundreds of thousands of troops ten years ago, it reduced to surrounding without attacking, with the number of siege participants visibly dwindling.

Especially after Prince Xian led a contingent of Martial Artists to aid, the assaults weakened further.

There have been fewer attacks over the past two years, with perhaps one siege encounter happening every one or two months, and even then it’s only a small-scale one.

Meanwhile, Black Mountain Pass has gradually rejuvenated due to war.

The number of civilians, merchants, and artisans has been steadily increasing.

Prince Xian casually tossed Zhao Tieshan an order: "Take a look, this is a military order issued by the Ministry of War through Grand General Xu."

"Also, there’s a Holy Decree that has arrived."

Zhao Tieshan unfolded it, scanned over it swiftly, then handed it to Chen Hongxiu beside him.

"Parade ceremony, what’s this about?"

Prince Xian explained, "According to this prince and the memorandum’s understanding, it’s about selecting some soldiers from forces across Great Yu to go to the Capital City for unified training, subsequently participating in this ceremony."

"Our army at Black Mountain City is the elite force of the Northern Lands, and we should definitely lead the troops there."

"Parade ceremony?"

Chen Hongxiu swiftly finished reading as well and said, "This parade is hosted by Your Majesty, with Grand General Xu assisting."

"Over the past ten years, numerous rebellions within Great Yu have finally been completely subdued."

"This parade ceremony is also considered a celebration."

"I wonder who General and the Prince will choose to send to participate in this ceremony?"

The two exchanged glances before Chen Wannian spoke, "Niece, after discussion with Prince Xian, we’ve decided for you to lead two thousand Black Mountain Army soldiers to the Capital to participate in the ceremony, how about it?"

"Me?"

"Indeed."

Chen Wannian continued, "Wu Country isn’t engaging in large-scale actions at present. Though military affairs at Black Mountain Pass seem tense, it isn’t dangerous."

"We can also take this opportunity for some rest and recuperation."

"Moreover, this parade ceremony is the best opportunity to showcase our dynasty’s military might."

"Being the daughter of a military family and a woman favored by Your Majesty, you are the best candidate!"

Prince Xian chuckled: "Wu Country has a female emperor presiding, and we of Great Yu also have a female general guarding the borders."

"If you go, it will show the people of Wu Country the might of our Great Yu military, how about it?"

Chen Hongxiu hesitated for a moment, then respectfully said, "Subordinate obeys the order!"

"Hahaha, good!"

"Then General Hongxiu, choose your soldiers over the next few days, preferably those of the same height and weight."

Prince Xian added, "Three days later, this prince will see you off!"

"Thank you, Prince!"

Yunmeng Marsh.

North Sea Navy.

Meng Guang observed the memorandum in his hand, his brow furrowed, silent.

Tan Yunlong came over, "Big brother, what’s troubling you?"

Meng Guang handed the military order to Tan Yunlong, "Second brother, take a look. The Ministry of War wants us to send personnel to the Capital for training in preparation for the ’parade ceremony’."

"Parade ceremony?"

Tan Yunlong quickly finished reading and hesitantly commented, "This is a brilliant plan!"

"Not only can it showcase military might and increase civilian cohesion, but it can also deter rebels and foreign states."

"True to form for Your Majesty and Grand General Xu... but I wonder, brother, who do you plan to send?"

Meng Guang asked back, "What do you think, second brother?"

"Third brother Shentu Kui met misfortune during the Xuzhou battle last time, and fourth brother Sun Hui is currently stationed at Yunmeng Island, unable to leave."

"Perhaps..."

After thinking for a moment, Tan Yunlong suggested, "How about sending the White Dragon Camp?"

The White Dragon Camp is one of Meng Guang’s personal guards.

Under his command are 150,000 navy members, most being new soldiers and county soldiers assorted from the Imperial Court.

However, the elite among them are composed of many water thieves they had previously subdued.

There are about twenty thousand in number, forming the White Dragon Camp, Black Flood Dragon Camp, and Giant Turtle Camp.

Respectively commanded by Meng Guang, Tan Yunlong, and Sun Hui, overseeing the North Sea Navy.

Initially, there was also the Flying Fish Camp, led by Shentu Kui, but it was wiped out on the Xuzhou battlefield, with only a few dozen surviving and returning.

Tan Yunlong continued, "As for the commander, why not appoint the General’s nephew?"

The commander he referred to was Meng Guang’s nephew, Meng Zhen.

Skilled in dual swords, with unparalleled courage.

"Meng Zhen..."

Meng Guang muttered, looking at the military order in hand, before suddenly saying, "It’s been ages since I’ve returned to the Capital for debriefing... Perhaps I should go myself?"

"Huh?"