Chapter 94 Watering Each Other, Nourishing Each Other
Xiao Jingzhan was a military commander by nature, and he knew the principle that "a country may be large, but if it loves war, it will perish; a country may be at peace, but if it forgets war, it will be in danger."
Especially after the war in the north, he felt that although the Dasheng military system had a foundation, some of its formations and training methods were still based on the old system and were gradually becoming rigid. In the face of the increasingly complex border situation and potential threats, more mobile and lethal tactics were needed.
Therefore, after ascending the throne, in addition to handling the heavy affairs of state, he personally read through the military books and strategies of past dynasties, and combined his own combat experience with his understanding of the current army and equipment, and began to improve several new battle formations and coordination manuals that were suitable for different terrains and different enemies.
He was not just a theorist; he often took time to visit the military camps on the outskirts of Beijing to watch military exercises, discuss them with generals and even experienced veterans, and repeatedly deduce their strategies in order to achieve practical results.
The new formation emphasizes precise coordination and flexible switching between different military branches, focuses on utilizing terrain and weather conditions, and enhances the speed and accuracy of scout reconnaissance and information transmission within the military.
Xiao Jingzhan personally explained the advantages of the new formation and its practical application to the core generals, and selected elite troops to conduct trial exercises first, letting the results of the actual combat exercises speak for themselves.
The results were finally evident in the grand autumn military exercise, which astonished all the civil and military officials in attendance.
Banners fluttered in the wind at the martial arts training ground on the outskirts of Beijing.
The emperor himself arrived.
The five thousand soldiers of the "Tiger Guard Left Guard," ordered to practice the new formation, smoothly switched between the emperor's newly improved "Sharp Arrow Advance Formation" and "Earth-borne Linked Formation."
The army formation moved with perfect coordination, attacking like a raging fire, unstoppable; defending like a rock-solid wall, impenetrable.
The cavalry and infantry coordinated seamlessly, the archers provided precise coverage, and the messengers gave clear signals. The entire army resembled a giant with a unified will. Their movements were filled with murderous intent, yet they maintained perfect order, a stark contrast to the somewhat disorganized but fierce performances of the past.
In particular, an improved "chevaux-de-frise" formation designed to counter cavalry charges, combined with specially made extended hooks and tripwires, successfully "defeated" the numerically superior heavy cavalry charge of the "enemy" forces, which was previously considered difficult to withstand head-on, in simulated combat. This left the spectators in awe, followed by thunderous cheers.
"Your Majesty is wise! Heaven blesses the Great Sheng!" The generals were so excited that their faces turned red. They understood the value of this new formation better than the civil officials.
In the past, when facing the iron cavalry of the northern Di tribes, it often required several times the number of troops and paid a huge price to resist them. But now, this new formation undoubtedly greatly enhances the defensive and counter-attack capabilities of the infantry system, and may even change the situation on some battlefields.
"With such a strong army, how can we worry about the border not being secure?!" The old general stroked his beard, tears welling in his eyes.
The young soldiers were in high spirits. They personally participated in the training of the new battle formation. Although it was tough at first, when they saw the power of the formation, felt the strength brought by teamwork, and admired the emperor for personally improving the tactics and caring for the soldiers, an unprecedented sense of pride and belonging arose spontaneously.
In their hearts, His Majesty the Emperor was not only a high and mighty monarch, but also a true commander who knew how to fight, was good at fighting, and could lead them to victory!
Private discussions within the army all expressed sincere admiration for His Majesty's military prowess and a determination to serve him to the death.
The admiration and inspiration felt in the military quickly spread to the general public.
Although ordinary people may not understand the intricacies of military formations, they can see the change in the army's morale, hear news of peace coming from the border, and feel the sense of security and pride brought by the country's growing strength.
Teahouses, taverns, and streets gradually became the subject of discussions about "His Majesty's divine might" and "improving military formations to secure our borders."
"Have you heard? The Imperial Guard's autumn drills, the new battle formation His Majesty devised, it's incredibly powerful! Those soldiers train like one person!"
"That's right! My nephew is in the Beijing garrison. He wrote back saying that the training is a bit tiring now, but he feels at ease! He said that His Majesty is a true dragon emperor, capable of governing the country with both civil and military power!"
"With such a wise ruler and a strong army, we ordinary people can live in peace! Let's see who dares to invade from the north or the south!"
"It's more than just peaceful. Now our Dasheng trade routes are open, taxes are light, and life is getting better and better. This is all thanks to His Majesty and the Empress!"
Popular admiration for emperors was often intertwined with praise for the virtues of empresses.
The deep affection between the emperor and empress, the intelligence of their offspring, and the tranquility of the harem were all aspects of a peaceful and prosperous society that the people admired, believing them to be a symbol of divine protection and the virtue of the imperial family.
This day happened to be Su Jingyu's mother's birthday. Xiao Jingzhan specially set aside a day to accompany her back to the Su residence.
Without any grand procession, the Emperor and Empress traveled simply, accompanied only by essential guards. The children were sent to the Su residence in advance to be cared for by their maternal grandparents.
The carriage stopped two streets away from the Su residence. Xiao Jingzhan carried Su Jingyu out of the carriage and said with a smile, "My dear, it's still early, come for a walk with me?"
“Okay.” Su Jingyu readily agreed, placing her hand in his warm, dry palm, and he took her hand.
The streets of Beijing in autumn are bustling and lively yet orderly. Shops line both sides of the street, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, chatting, and children playing fill the air.
The people were neatly dressed and had rosy complexions, radiating the peaceful and prosperous life of this great era.
The two strolled side by side like any ordinary loving couple. Xiao Jingzhan still carefully protected her on the inside, avoiding oncoming carriages and horses.
Today, he was dressed in a dark blue brocade robe with cloud patterns, which made him look tall and elegant, with a particularly graceful demeanor. Although he had restrained his majesty, his overall bearing and unparalleled handsome face still attracted the attention of passersby.
Su Jingyu wore a pale yellow long dress embroidered with osmanthus branches, looking elegant and graceful. Standing beside him, she was petite and charming, with stunning beauty. The sight of the two of them together was a delight to behold.
Passing by a tea stall, I overheard several old men taking a break talking animatedly about the new battle formation for the autumn military exercises. Their words were full of praise for His Majesty the Emperor.
"...So, our Emperor is a combination of the stars of literature and martial arts descended to earth! He's adept at governing the country, and even more skilled at fighting! As for that new battle formation, my distant nephew, who works as a clerk in the government office, says it's incredibly powerful!"
"That's right! When His Majesty was still the Crown Prince, he defeated the Northern Di so badly that they cried for their fathers and mothers! Now that he has ascended the throne, he has not forgotten the well-being of our soldiers and the common people, and he personally devises ways to wage war. Such an emperor is hard to find throughout the ages!"
"That's right! We ordinary people can now do business and farm with peace of mind, all thanks to His Majesty and the Empress! I've heard that the Empress is also benevolent and compassionate towards her servants, and often donates money and goods to do good deeds..."
Hearing the people's simple and sincere praise, Su Jingyu felt an indescribable sense of pride and emotion.
She quietly tightened her grip on Xiao Jingzhan's hand and looked up at him.
Sunlight filtered through the golden leaves of the ginkgo trees lining the street, casting its glow on his sharply defined profile and outlining his perfect features.
He remained calm, gazing indifferently at the bustling and vibrant street scene ahead, as if the praise had not reached his ears.
But Su Jingyu knew that he could hear it and feel it.
He was simply used to shouldering all the responsibilities and expectations himself, and then silently doing his best.
Her husband, her Majesty, was such a towering and upright man. He was decisive in killing and ruthless, with an innate air of authority that commanded the respect of all officials in the court; he was determined to reform and govern diligently, bringing peace and prosperity to the country; he was knowledgeable in military affairs and had the foresight to personally forge sharper spears and stronger shields for the empire.
To the outside world, he was an emperor who looked down upon the world; to his family, he was a loving and devoted husband who cared for her deeply, and a strict yet affectionate father to his children.
At this moment, walking on this ordinary street, seeing him sincerely loved by the people, Su Jingyu's love and admiration for him were like aged wine, fermenting to its most intense moment.
Her eyes shone with an undisguised admiration, pride, and deep love.
Xiao Jingzhan noticed her focused gaze, turned his head, met her starry eyes, was slightly taken aback, and then smiled gently: "Sweetie, why are you looking at me like that?"
Su Jingyu didn't answer immediately, but took a small step forward, almost embedding herself in his arms. Her soft yet clear voice reached his ears, filled with endless tenderness and admiration: "My husband is so amazing."
Xiao Jingzhan's heart skipped a beat. He had seen her in many different ways—shy, charming, gentle, and playful—but he had rarely seen her look at him so directly, so full of adoration, and say such things.
This moved him more and satisfied him more than any praise from his ministers or the accolades of the people.
He squeezed her hand, gently scratching her palm with his fingertips, and chuckled softly, "Is that impressive? Your husband has even more impressive skills to come. Let's go home tonight..."
"You're so annoying~" Su Jingyu's cheeks flushed red, and she glared at him coquettishly. Her eyes were glistening with tears, and she exuded a charming and alluring aura. Her shy yet loving appearance almost made Xiao Jingzhan want to take her home on the spot.
He forced himself to remain still, but pulled her closer to him, his arm around her waist, and whispered, "Let's go, your mother must be getting impatient. Tonight..." He paused deliberately, looking at her meaningfully.
Su Jingyu blushed even more, but couldn't suppress the smile on her lips. She gently leaned her head on his shoulder for a moment before continuing to walk forward with him.
...
He was her sky, her mountain, the fulcrum and the pillar of her entire world. He bestowed upon her the exclusive and unquestionable favor of an emperor, and with the strongest arms, he sheltered her under a sky that would never be stormy.
She was his water, his moon, the only softness and refuge within his hardened heart. She repaid him with complete trust, silent companionship, and gentle, nurturing wisdom.
Their love was nurtured and nourished by their daily companionship.
Every little thing is filled with affection; every day and night is a perfect ending.
The side story is also finished!
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