The imperial court's large-scale purchase of compressed biscuits is a major boon for them.

However, he was a little worried that the imperial court might not have a good understanding of compressed biscuits and might think that compressed biscuits could replace grain.

Thinking of this, Zhao Xian spoke up:

"Although compressed biscuits are good, long-term consumption will cause nutritional imbalances in the soldiers and is detrimental to their health."

Therefore, compressed biscuits are only used in special circumstances and can only serve as a supplement to military rations. Under normal circumstances, three meals a day should still be the main source of rations.

"Of course the imperial court knew these things, but even so, compressed biscuits were still listed as an indispensable military supply."

After touring the workshop to observe the production process, Zhao Xian took the two back for lunch.

At the dinner table, Zhao Xian asked:

"What do you need me to do to help with the formation of this local army?"

"Lord Shaofu, Lord Yao has recommended someone to me. This person will play an important role in this army, and I would like to meet him," Yao Lin said.

"I wonder who General Yao is referring to?"

"Li Guang, Lord Yao said he is the sworn brother of the Minister of the Imperial Household."

"General Yao is referring to Li Guang. He lives on a farm. I'll take you to see him later."

"Lord Yao has already told me about Li Guang. If what Lord Yao said is true, then Li Guang is an invaluable talent."

I plan to meet him alone, without giving him any preparation, to test his abilities.

"I see. Since General Yao wants to test Li Guang, then I won't accompany him."

"Does General Yao require my accompaniment?" Imperial Censor Lu asked.

"Lord Lu has worked very hard these past few days. Please take a good rest this afternoon. After you see Li Guang, I will bring him to pay his respects to Lord Lu."

"Alright, it's settled then. General Yao, you'll have a long day this afternoon."

After lunch, Yao Lin bid farewell to the two men and headed out of the village.

At this moment, Yao Lin was very excited. His main task in coming to Shuixian Village was to build a local army, help Li Guang develop his power, and begin to contend with the power of the eldest prince, Li Hui.

The formation of a local army in Shuixian Village was the result of the manipulation of Lord Yao and Li Xue. Because of Li Xue, the Fourth Prince supported the formation of an army in Shuixian Village, but he was unaware of Li Xue's true intentions.

Yao Lin was a relative of Lord Yao and a lieutenant general in the garrison in the capital. He was acquainted with Li Guang.

Two years ago, Lord Yao risked his life to save the young prince, and Yao Lin was one of the participants.

Later, he received news that the young prince was still alive and living in Narcissus Village, which made him ecstatic.

Several months ago, Lord Yao came to Shuixian Village, and Yao Lin wanted to go with him, but Lord Yao did not agree.

He told Yao Lin to prepare himself, as he would be tasked with something important in the future.

Lord Yao gave him an important task: to go to Narcissus Village and organize a local army.

Yao Lin knew that from now on, he would have to help Li Guang develop his power.

Since it was the off-season for farming, there was nothing to do in the fields, so Li Guang should have been at the farm and hadn't gone out.

The farm was very easy to find. As soon as you left the village, you could see it from afar, and Yao Lin walked straight over.

The gate was ajar. Yao Lin pushed it open, revealing a huge courtyard.

In the courtyard, Xiao Hei was lazily sunbathing when he saw the gate being pushed open and turned to look.

There was a stranger at the door. Xiao Hei immediately stood up, watching the newcomer warily, while its bear fur stood on end and it let out a low growl.

Yao Lin tensed up immediately. He hadn't expected there to be a mountain bear in the yard. The bear's reaction indicated that it was in a state of combat readiness and could attack him at any moment.

If this mountain bear really pounces on me, it will definitely tear me to pieces.

He stood at the doorway, too afraid to move, facing off against the mountain bear.

Xiao Hei's wary roar immediately attracted the attention of the people inside the house, and a middle-aged man in his forties came out of the house.

"Little Black, stop being so rude and step aside."

The bear was very obedient; it immediately lowered its guard, tucked in its fur, and lay down in another spot to continue sunbathing.

When the middle-aged man saw Yao Lin, he seemed very surprised and began to look him over carefully.

Seeing the middle-aged man scrutinizing him like that, Yao Lin felt a little strange, but out of politeness, he didn't say anything.

The middle-aged man finally spoke, his voice sounding very old.

"Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

"Uncle, may I ask if Li Guang lives here? I've come here specifically to pay him a visit."

"What do you want with Li Guang? Is there something you need?"

"I come from the capital, my name is Yao Lin. I came to Shuixian Village to organize a local army and came to visit Li Guang to learn about some things."

The man nodded and said:

"So you're looking for Li Guang. Please come with me."

"Thank you, uncle." Yao Lin said, and then followed the man into the room.

After settling down in the room, the man poured Yao Lin a cup of hot tea and then sat down opposite her.

"You must be Yao Lin, a general in the garrison in the capital. How are you doing, Lord Yao? Are you in good health?"

The man's words greatly surprised Yao Lin.

Who is this person? He seems to know a lot about me and Lord Yao, which makes me wary.

"Sir, do you know me and Lord Yao?"

“General Yao is a relative of Lord Yao, how could I not know him? Doesn’t General Yao know me?”

"I really don't recognize you. I don't think I've ever seen you before," Yao Lin said in surprise.

"General Yao, take a good look. How could you not recognize me?"

Yao Lin scrutinized the man for a long time before finally speaking with a sigh:

"I really don't know you. In my memory, I don't think I've ever seen you before."

The man sighed and said:

"It's normal that General Yao doesn't recognize me. I don't even know who I am now," the man said with a helpless laugh.

The man's words completely baffled Yao Lin; he had no idea what the man meant.

"Uncle, stop joking. Who are you?"

"General Yao, don't worry, you'll soon find out who I am." After saying that, the man took out a small porcelain bottle, poured the liquid inside onto a linen cloth, and began to wipe his face.

After wiping himself a few times, he turned to Yao Lin and asked, "General Yao, do you recognize me now?"

"Little Prince, it's you!" Yao Lin exclaimed with delight.

"Haha, it seems the disguise technique in Guiguzi's book is really effective; even General Yao was fooled," Li Guang said excitedly.

"The young prince's disguise skills are too amazing. Even his voice has changed. Even if a god were present, it would be difficult to tell the difference between the real and the fake."

“For me, mastering this skill is mainly for survival,” Li Guang said.

The two then started chatting.

They each shared their experiences, and their conversation lasted for two hours.

At this moment, Li Guang remembered something and asked, "General Yao, I heard that the Fan Kingdom is going to unite with other countries and gather an army of 500,000 to invade the Great Northern Dynasty. Is that true?"