Xin He’s cool gaze swept over him as she paced over. Her steps were light, with no deliberate heaviness—her manners and gestures all like those of a lady, without any forced attempt to act like a man to convince others.
In Ji Xinhe’s view, she indeed needed their conviction-- not merely a cursory and reluctant acknowledgment for this tiger talisman, but truly and wholeheartedly, from their hearts and their bones, to accept her as the commander. This acceptance had nothing to do with whether she was dressed as a woman or a man, or whether she acted like a man or a woman.
Nevertheless, each of her steps reverberated in their hearts, inciting an inexplicable tension. Ji Xinhe’s seemingly omniscient tranquil and deep eyes, along with a slightly sharp aura surrounding her, chilled them to their core.
The man who had just questioned her was at a loss. What kind of a woman was she?
Xin He stopped in front of him, looking at him directly, "What’s your name?"
He was taken aback. Others looked at him with a hint of sympathy in their eyes and thought to themselves: this man is likely to have bad luck.
Even if they did not recognize her as the commander, they had to remember that she was the legitimate Princess Pingyang, and she possessed the tiger talisman personally awarded by Prince Pingyang. No one could doubt her lightly, at least not to her face!
Hearing this, the man’s face turned even uglier, he blurted out bravely, "Pei Yong! Lieutenant General of Ming’an Camp."
Xin He nodded slightly, "You certainly have guts, I’ll remember you."
Pei Yong was completely shocked, unable to comprehend the meaning behind Ji Xinhe’s words—was it a compliment or a mockery?
However,······" Ji Xinhe started speaking. Her languid tone gave away little.
In the next instant, she swiftly attacked him. Pei Yong, taken by surprise, was too late to dodge as Ji Xinhe had already made her move. Her action was as swift as lightning, leaving him no chance to escape. He could only try to parry her strike. But Ji Xinhe easily dodged his parry, smoothly drawing the sword at his waist, and with a fiercely swift sword dance, his customary sword was now at his throat. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞
Pei Yong’s face instantly turned pale, his emotions shifting faster than turning pages of a book—-from astonishment, fear, dread—-these feelings mirrored in the faces of others in the tent as well, making for a myriad of expressions.
The entire tent inhaled sharply as they watched Ji Xinhe, their eyes almost bulging out. They could never have imagined that this seemingly delicate and incompetent woman could forcefully snatch the sword from Pei Yong’s hand, and in just two moves, the sword was already at Pei Yong’s throat.
How could such a woman be an ordinary wife who bears children?
"Princess······" General Zheng was the first to speak, his tone full of urgency, fearing that Ji Xinhe might kill Pei Yong simply because he had offended her.
Pei Yong stared at Ji Xinhe, grinding his teeth, "If the Princess finds me unpleasant, then just finish me off with one blow. Anyway, I’m just a nobody, not worth fearing."
Just as General Zheng was about to plead, Ji Xinhe spoke in her uncanny voice, "Unfortunately, you are too impulsive, prone to underestimate your opponent, and quite rash. To me, you’re a stranger. You should have maintained proper vigilance. Just because I appear to be a powerless woman, you exposed your weaknesses rashly, let me easily seize your sword and take control of your life."
Pei Yong stared blankly at Ji Xinhe—more shocked than when she had snatched his sword. Because she had understood his temperament and character in less than half an incense stick’s time, analyzing it clearly. To his surprise, he hadn’t even noticed some of those aspects himself.
Xin He finished speaking and before he could react, she threw his sword back to him, turned around, walked to the main seat but didn’t sit down. She just coldly watched everyone in the tent, her voice gaining a few extra decibels, "I know how many of you don’t accept me. Your power will tell me whether or not you have the right not to. Being loud-mouthed is useless. Regardless of whether you accept it or not, you have to face a fact: I’m your new commander. There is no reason or explanation for this because none of you here has earned the right to hear the explanation. Qualifications are earned with power."
After Xin He finished speaking, the tent fell silent again. But the silence this time wasn’t awkward at all; instead, it was marked with an intimidating and slightly tense atmosphere. Everyone bowed their heads, thoughts racing. But there was one thing they nearly all agreed upon—this woman was no ordinary lady!
"Alright, now that we’re acquainted, you are dismissed. General Zheng, stay back and inform me about the military affairs." Said Xin He in a cold voice.
Everyone present exchanged glances, their attitudes less dismissive and more respectful. They replied in unison and withdrew one after another.
General Zheng, now drenched in a cold sweat, showed Ji Xinhe even more deference. He formally introduced her to the details of the military camp matters.
Life in the military camp is like a mini society with many things to learn and understand. Marquis Mu had trained this elite army to defend Yu State. Now, in his absence, Ji Xinhe naturally bore the responsibility, intending to better adapt to this army, defend Yu State and become Marquis Mu’s strongest support.
There were too few matters that could be introduced in this tent. After roughly half an hour of explanation and handing over some official documents, General Zheng began showing Jian Xinhe around the different camps to understand the situation. The hundred thousand elite troops of Yu State were divided into three main barracks—Ming’an Camp, Cheng Camp, and Cavalry Camp.
These three camps loyally served Yu State, but they were three separate powers and didn’t always get along well. This was not necessarily a bad thing; as opponents, the three camps could strengthen their strengths. In order not to lose to the others, they naturally had to stand out. This was also one of the important reasons that Marquis Mu was able to cultivate these hundred thousand elite soldiers in just five years.
"Princess, look over there. That’s Cavalry Camp, and that’s the training ground. The forerunner soldiers of Cavalry Camp are currently training." General Zheng led Ji Xinhe to observe.
The sound of training rang through the sky, an awe-inspiring sight. Xin He nodded, "Hmm."
"This here is the armory. Actually about the weapons······"
As General Zheng spoke, Xin He listened attentively.
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