Chapter Thirty-One: Unique Vision
With a series of clangs, the Wang family's private army, as if granted a pardon, retreated swiftly, taking turns providing cover. Only during this retreat did it become clear that they were an elite and powerful army, defeated yet not in disarray—a stark contrast to their previous chaotic and disorganized fighting.
On the other hand, the Japanese army suffered many casualties, and many were unable to stand steadily, but their formation remained intact and their morale was high. Judging by the number of casualties alone, the two sides might not be far apart, but judging by the overall situation, everyone knew that Qin Mo's Japanese army had won.
The Japanese mercenaries roared as they watched the enemy retreat. This was their first powerful appearance before their new master. Although the enemy was fierce and had caused them heavy casualties, they had finally forced their opponents to retreat, showing their new master their value.
On the other hand, the Wang family's private army returned to Wang Renbi's side dejectedly, awaiting their master's punishment. They knew Wang Renbi's "temperament" all too well.
Sure enough, Wang Renbi grabbed his riding whip and lashed it at his commander without warning, each lash feeling like a blow to the hearts of the soldiers. He continued lashing until he was exhausted, then stormed off in a huff.
"Remember to deliver the silver to my camp, lest you tarnish the reputation of the Longxi Wang family." Qin Mo added casually, almost causing Wang Renbi to lose his temper on the spot.
After Wang Renbi left, the nobles congratulated Qin Mo on his victory, gushing praises at the Japanese army, their underlying sour grapes barely concealed. Qin Mo chuckled and chatted with them for a while, rambling on and on.
Qin Mo quickly shook off the crowd and rushed back to the military camp. After all, several people had died in battle, and many more had been injured. The soldiers of the Longxi Wang family were no pushovers; even those clad in iron armor could not withstand the repeated attacks of the experts.
Upon arriving at the wounded soldiers' camp, Qin Mo saw a group of nurses practicing their sewing skills with a group of wounded soldiers. The stitches were meticulous, as if they were making clothes for their own loved ones. The wounded soldiers, on the other hand, were incredibly tough, joking loudly among themselves, completely oblivious to the large cuts on their bodies.
"Each person will receive a bolt of Songjiang cloth, and the compensation will be doubled, which their families can collect in Japan." Since they risked their lives for you, you should naturally give them the corresponding compensation. After Qin Mo announced the reward, the crowd cheered. The fact that their families could collect their monthly salary directly in Japan was something Qin Mo had planned long ago. This recruitment condition, which included free shipping, touched the hearts of countless Japanese soldiers.
Qin Mo then looked at Kaihime, "As for you, you'll receive a reward of three bolts of silk. Also, if you want to lead an army, let's see how it goes with leading a battalion first." It wouldn't be unreasonable to promote her to the position of battalion commander all at once, after all, Kaihime's performance today can be described as "outstanding."
"Your Highness, I do not wish for any reward... I only ask to become General Xu's disciple and learn Taoist arts..." Kaihime bit her lip and made her request with difficulty.
"Which General Xu?" Qin Mo understood. This was the reason why Kaihime came to Great Xia. It was hard to believe that a noble lady would risk her life to join a mercenary army if it was only for a pittance.
"Your Highness, it is General Xu Liyan in the wounded soldiers' camp."
"To become an apprentice?... You should ask General Xu about that. Why are you asking me, the young master?"
"General Xu... He is your subordinate... Your Highness, you can decide. I only need the incantation, not the medicine or the rubbing. I hope Your Highness will grant my request."
Qin Mo carefully considered Kaihime's words. It seemed that Old Xu intended to teach her cultivation, but the Great Xia Dynasty had extremely strict regulations on cultivation methods, and the Hengwang Mansion didn't have many copies of the "Broken Record" or vital energy potions. They were all reserved for the descendants of his veteran generals. If Kaihime wasn't given the copies and potions, her chances of cultivating were almost zero.
"Young Master, I admire her sincerity, so I intend to teach her martial arts. As for how well she will succeed, that depends on her own destiny." Xu Liyan, who had been at the wounded soldiers' camp, quickly arrived and answered Qin Mo.
"Well... Old Xu, if she's family, then you can teach her however you want!" Qin Mo gave Xu Liyan a knowing look. This Old Xu used to be her father's personal guard, a very high-ranking one, one of the few Xuan-level experts in the high-ranking officialdom. He's still single, and judging from his appearance, he and Kaihime are quite a good match.
"Young Master, I am willing to recognize her as my goddaughter." Xu Liyan's words left Qin Mo dumbfounded. How could this old man be so clueless?
"In that case, Princess Kai, you shall train with General Xu!"
"Your Highness, I thank you for your generous gift; I will never forget your kindness." Kaihime kowtowed deeply, tears streaming down her face. The path of cultivation she had longed for had finally opened its doors to her. As for her future achievements, they were now in her own hands, no longer dependent on her father or anyone else.
Zuixianglou is a famous restaurant in the capital of the Great Xia Dynasty. Located in a bustling area, it serves top-notch food and drinks, and every night it's impossible to get a seat. The private rooms upstairs are not open to ordinary people. There have been times when people caused trouble because they couldn't get a seat, but over the years, all those who caused trouble there, regardless of their social status, have been arrested and taken to the authorities. Gradually, everyone has come to know that Zuixianglou has a powerful background.
Qin Mo and his two best friends were having drinks in a private room facing the street. The performance of Qin Mo's Japanese army this morning had astonished the onlookers, and made the two of them even happier for Qin Mo, since they had acquired 50,000 taels of silver, enough for the brothers to squander for a long time.
"Mozi, which brothel should we go to later?" Qin Yumu asked with a mischievous grin. Now that Qin Mo was the boss of a high-ranking official, no one could possibly drag him out of the brothel.
"...I'm not going...I want to go to Xizhou Street to buy some weapons or something." Qin Mo couldn't help but think that Qin Yumu looked sleazy. He was clearly a tall and handsome man, yet he was acting like a pimp.
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