“I’m sorry, I’m just a small business owner, I don’t know how to perform autopsies,” Zhong Jiu replied.
Just then, the tea shop owner came over carrying a rag and said to the constables with a smile, "Would you two gentlemen like some tea? It's so cold on this day, a hot drink would be very comforting."
Upon hearing that he wanted tea, the constable abandoned his thoughts on the case. "Alright, bring me a pot of tea and a plate of pork buns."
"Why eat pork? Bring me a plate of vegetarian stuffed vegetables," another constable said.
The tea shop owner replied, "Alright, gentlemen, please have a seat. These vegetarian buns are selling really fast today."
He then said to Mu Run and Zhong Jiu, "Please take your time, we'll come again."
Mu Run knew the tea shop owner had come to her rescue, so she nodded and said, "Thank you, sir."
Then he and Zhong Jiu went to the dock where the boat was moored.
Once on board, Mu Run breathed a sigh of relief, recalling the constable's words, "So, is your boss recruiting soldiers as he goes along this journey?"
Zhong Jiu rowed the boat away from the dock and sailed downstream. "Yes. The boss doesn't train soldiers much. He usually recruits soldiers just before a battle. Anyone who hears about the recruitment notice can enlist at any time as long as they meet the requirements. After the battle, the army will be disbanded and people will return to their fields. The military pay is very generous. Following the boss in one battle is enough to support a family. Those who make meritorious contributions will have no worries about food and clothing for the rest of their lives. Many people look forward to following the boss to fight."
"So it seems he has no soldiers, but in reality, his soldiers are everywhere?"
"Yes. Those who are registered as military households will also train regularly in case they don't meet the requirements when recruiting soldiers."
What other conditions are required for recruiting soldiers?
"There are only two rules. First, loyalty! Absolute loyalty, never betraying the boss. Second, being able to lift a stone roller."
“…A stone mill?” Mu Run was speechless.
"Yes, being able to lift it proves that you are strong and healthy. In military campaigns, having a strong physique is very important."
"Some people may not have that much strength, but they are dexterous and clever. Should we not accept them?"
“It depends on the type of soldier. This kind of soldier might not be suitable for the battlefield,” Zhong Jiu replied. “But we will still recruit soldiers who are Xin Hong or other special types.”
"Hmm, he's very smart, good at appointing people based on their abilities and knowing how to use them effectively. How many soldiers does he have now?" Mu Run asked curiously.
"I'm not so sure about that. But if we're going by past experience, we'll definitely have no fewer than 300,000 elite troops. Taking over the Northern Jin Dynasty will be just around the corner."
Mu Run looked up at the sky and could faintly see a hint of blue on the horizon, indicating that the weather would soon clear up.
...
An envoy from the Northern Jin Dynasty came to see Fu Yunchen to discuss a marriage alliance.
Qiao Dongzi thought Fu Yunchen would refuse the marriage alliance and wouldn't even see them. Unexpectedly, Fu Yunchen agreed and asked him to spread the news.
Qiao Dongzi couldn't understand what he was trying to do, so he went to find Bai Shalu.
"What do you think the eldest brother means by marrying her? What will happen to the princess?"
Bai Shalu didn't understand at first, but when Mu Run was mentioned, he had a clue. "Could it be that His Majesty wants Ehuang and Nüying? If the Queen becomes the Empress, she certainly can't accompany His Majesty all the time. Yu Shan is beautiful and a heroine of the martial arts world. Now she also has the identity of a princess of the Northern Jin Dynasty. She can enjoy the blessings of having two wives. It's a dream come true for every man."
"That's what you've always dreamed of, but the boss is definitely not that kind of person."
"Isn't the boss a man too?"
"I can't explain it to you. Forget it, let's not talk about it anymore. The border city of the Northern Jin Dynasty is just ahead. The envoy has arrived. Should we still fight?"
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