"I've heard that the young master is not the lord's son?"
"Definitely not, the Prefect is not married yet! But since the Prefect has chosen someone, he must be quite good. Besides, I heard that the Prefect has already adopted the young master as his son."
...
The group chatted for a while, but it wasn't a topic that interested Qi Nuan, so she focused on eating.
As the group left the noodle shop, intending to head home, they found the streets in a chaotic state, with people coming and going in a hurry.
Ahua stopped an older woman and asked, "Auntie, what's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"
"There's going to be another war; the government has posted a notice."
After the old woman finished speaking, she hurried home. She had two sons who were already in their twenties, and one of them would definitely have to go. She just didn't know whether it would be the eldest son or the second son. She still needed to discuss it with her husband.
A war? What's going on? Why don't I know anything about it? Ahua's face turned somewhat pale.
Qi Nuan tugged at Ahua's sleeve, "Sister Ahua, let's go take a look."
After saying that, the group squeezed through the crowded people and arrived at the notice board.
After reading this, the group realized that Luoyang could no longer hold out. The rebel army in Yuyang had pressed on and attacked Youzhou. Seeing the situation was dire, Emperor Zhou ordered all prefectures and counties to send troops to Luoyang to provide support.
The notice board currently displays a conscription order.
Qi Nuan was at a loss for words.
The Emperor's edict has come at the perfect time. Those who have long harbored ill intentions are looking for an excuse to recruit soldiers, and now they don't even need to look for one.
It can only be said that Emperor Zhou was too confident in himself.
Now that military power has fallen into the hands of others, let alone regaining it, his throne is likely in grave danger.
Upon seeing this, Qi Nuan could only think of one phrase: "To hold the emperor hostage and command the feudal lords." She seemed to have already seen the future of the Zhou emperor.
Some people were filled with worry upon seeing the conscription notice, while others saw it as an opportunity.
"Big brother, shall we go?"
"Of course I went, I have news..."
The man glanced at the crowd and lowered his voice, "I heard that the young master is building an iron cavalry army and is recruiting. With our skills, we brothers might be selected."
"If not now, when?"
"Who will ultimately prevail in this world is still unknown."
Turbulent times breed heroes. If the world were always peaceful, then the poor would remain poor and the rich would remain rich. But now, anything is possible. Some people are feeling a surge of excitement, as if they can already see their future.
Military merit has always been earned by risking one's life.
But those who were prepared long ago were also ready to die on the battlefield.
In the afterglow of the setting sun, people come and go; some may be worried about the future, while others are looking forward to it.
Qi Nuan and Ahua returned to the Jiang residence.
Each of them had their own worries and went to sleep with them on their own.
As the sun rose, the Jiang residence was already bustling with activity.
Qingqing was overjoyed to see Qi Nuan. "Anuan, you're here! We're going to sign up for the army. Will you come with us?"
Qi Nuan glanced at them; they were all there, their expressions filled with excitement. She hadn't realized their enthusiasm for joining the army was so high.
Amu, Xiao, and Qingqing all had a hint of excitement on their faces.
Xiao Xing doesn't seem very interested in joining the army; he just does whatever Qingqing does, so it seems he'll be going too.
She glanced at Wang Er, whose face showed a mixture of relief and worry, and asked, "Second Brother, are you going too?"
Wang Er shook his head. He was now working under Jiang Yu. His martial arts skills were not very high, and he was not very smart. He was already very happy to be able to help Jiang Yu with what he could.
Ahua naturally wasn't going either, but since they were all going to register today, Ahua definitely had to go with them.
Qi Nuan naturally followed along, but looking at the enthusiastic Qingqing, she wondered, "Does the army need women?"
However, she soon found out that a tent had been set up next to the notice board, and soldiers were guarding it. When Qi Nuan and the others went over, there were already people queuing up. Those who wanted to register could queue up themselves. Qi Nuan, Ahua, and Wang Er went to the front.
Young Master Fu, whom Jiang Yu and Qi Nuan had met once before, was there registering people who came to sign up.
Upon seeing Qi Nuan and the others, Jiang Yu simply nodded.
Wang Er went to help them maintain order.
"Name?"
"Wang Daniu"
"age?"
"twenty one"
"Gender, place of origin, number of family members? I've brought the household registration documents."
...
What weapons are you proficient with?
The man looked completely bewildered.
Jiang Yu asked, "Do you think you're stronger or faster? Do you have any special skills?"
"Very strong."
"Alright, go collect your money and report back in three days."
"Twelve years old."
Young Master Fu paused, holding his pen. "As long as you are thirteen years old or older."
"But I'm already taller than those thirteen-year-olds... Young master, I'm very strong..."
Jiang Yu remained unmoved. "If you still want to join the army next year, I'll save a spot for you. Come back next year."
"Next."
Soon it was Qingqing and the others' turn.
"Name?"
"Bai Qingqing".
"age?"
Fourteen years old.
"gender?"
"female."
Young Master Fu didn't put down his pen. He stopped and looked at Jiang Yu. "Young Master, what is this?"
Jiang Yu looked at him and Qingqing calmly, as if she didn't know why Young Master Fu had stopped writing. "If there are no problems, continue writing."
"He is skilled in martial arts and particularly adept at whip techniques."
Jiang Yu nodded and pointed to a soldier in armor beside him, "Fight him, but stop when you've made your move."
Qingqing nodded, "Please give me your guidance."
After speaking, he took the lead and lashed out with his whip. The soldier blocked with his spear, and the two fought for more than ten moves before stopping.
Jiang Yu: "Go collect the money, and come back to report in three days later."
"Can women join the army?"
"That's improper... What can they possibly do?"
"Did you see that just now? Her martial arts skills are quite good."
"Even if you have good martial arts skills, it doesn't mean you can go into battle and kill enemies..."
Jiang Yu naturally heard the voices in the crowd, and he took two steps forward. "Everyone, those who have come to sign up for the army today are all volunteers. I think you all know what the battlefield represents. On the battlefield, there is only friend or foe, not men or women."
"Anyone who signs up and meets the requirements will be recruited into my ranks. Under my command, military merit is the only criterion, not social status."
"You may object to women joining the army, but not now, but on the battlefield, under the enemy's blade."
He stopped, glanced at the crowd, his eyes sharp, and said, "In my army, as long as there are men with guts, not cowardly good-for-nothings, women can also achieve great things. What do you all think?"
"We should strive to conquer battlefields, achieve great deeds, protect our homes and country, and make a name for ourselves!" a burly man shouted, and the others echoed his words.
"To gallop across the battlefield, achieve great deeds, defend the country, and make a name for oneself."
...
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