Chapter 318 I will certainly give him the greatest reward in the world! (4000 words)
Although Xiao Mo was punished by running laps around the military camp several times.
But in any case, it has solidified her position in the "dormitory".
Xiao Mo felt that it was perfectly normal for someone like Zhao Wei to exist in the Iron Tiger Army.
After all, the Iron Tiger Army was selected from all over the Qin state. As long as one had a clean background and a certain amount of talent, there was a chance of being selected.
Not to mention that these people had only entered the military camp about ten days earlier than him.
Further tempering is needed to wear down the scoundrel nature of these people.
Now that Xiao Mo is the leader of the Twelfth Dormitory of the Earthly Branches, the others treat him with utmost respect.
Xiao Mo asked them to introduce themselves, as they needed to get to know their "roommates".
Of these nine people, three were the sons of farmers, one was the son of a carpenter, three were the sons of merchants, one's father was a county magistrate, and another's father even held a position in the imperial court.
Children of ordinary people were sent to the Iron Tiger Army camp through a selection process held every four years by each county.
These two sons of officials were also selected through a screening process; however, it was their fathers who applied and were then chosen.
"Did you all come here voluntarily?"
Xiao Mo asked them with great interest.
To be honest, this was my first time experiencing military life in all my past lives, and they were my comrades-in-arms.
Although the first meeting wasn't very friendly.
But the atmosphere in the "dormitory" is actually quite good now.
"Brother Xiao, who would willingly come to this wretched place?"
The father, a merchant named Xu Yongsheng, said.
“Our family is the richest in the county. We can have anything we want. Brother, you are still young and don’t understand these things. Back then, I went to brothels every day and had a really good time.”
All I want is to live a carefree, pampered life like a young master every day.
But who knew, my dad got the wrong idea and insisted on sending me here. He wouldn't give me money if I didn't come. Isn't that worse than being killed?
What can I do then?
"Who can argue with that?"
The boy, named Qu Weize, said, "My father is a county magistrate."
"I just have some martial arts talent. I was just thinking of practicing my punches casually, but who knew that my father would send me here? I said I didn't want to go, but my father said that if I didn't go, he would sever our father-son relationship. Brother Xiao, do you think I could refuse to come?"
"I'm doing alright," the boy named Black Ox chuckled. "My family are farmers, and I'm naturally strong. My dad says I'm a natural-born farmer, but I don't want to farm for the rest of my life, so I came here."
"Me too."
The young man named Li Dadan said.
“I didn’t want to farm for the rest of my life, so I came to the army. I also heard that the Iron Tiger Army teaches people to read and write, and that you can even become a high-ranking official in the future.”
Once the conversation started, the others also expressed whether they were willing to join the Iron Tiger Army, and if so, what their reasons were.
"And you, Scarface, what are you doing at the Iron Tiger Army?"
Xiao Mo looked at his former elder brother, the twelfth of the twelve earthly branches.
"Brother Xiao, please stop teasing me."
Zhao Wei smiled and said that although Xiao Mo was the youngest among them, he had already completely won them over, including Zhao Wei.
"My dad is a butcher. I used to laze around in my hometown, hanging out with all sorts of shady friends. My dad couldn't stand seeing me like this, so he sent me here."
At first, I wasn't actually willing.
I got into a fight with my dad, and he lost. He even broke his leg in the process.
When I was taking care of my dad, I suddenly thought—it seems like I can't just drift through life like this.
If things continue like this, I'll either end up slaughtering pigs with my dad or joining some gang in the city and doing protection money work.
But I don't want to do either of those things.
So, here comes the Iron Tiger Army!
I was thinking that if I could make it back alive, I could become a low-ranking officer and bring some honor to my old man.
Listening to their description, Xiao Mo nodded without offering any comment.
"Brother Xiao, what about you? You're so amazing, reaching the Cave Abode Realm at such a young age. No matter which sect you go to in the future, you'll be a prodigy. What are you doing here?"
"I can't believe it," Zhao Wei, the scarred man, asked in confusion.
In his view, while the Iron Tiger Army was certainly a good choice, joining other sects would also open up new possibilities and might even be less life-threatening.
"Hehehe, me? I come from the Xiao family, but I'm just an illegitimate son." Xiao Mo said frankly, "I don't know why I was chosen to join the Iron Tiger Army, but well, I'm already here, and the Iron Tiger Army is indeed quite good, it suits me well."
"The Xiao residence? The Xiao residence of the Prince of Zhenbei?" Ye Yujian asked excitedly.
"I've heard of it too. The Snow-Treading Dragon Riders of the Prince of Zhenbei are truly famous."
"That's right. I've heard that the selection process for the Snow-Treading Dragon Riders is no less difficult than that for the Iron Tiger Army."
Everyone started talking at once.
"Huh? That's strange. Brother Xiao, why didn't you go to the Snow Dragon Rider?" Ye Yujian asked curiously.
"You little rascal, the Snow-Treading Dragon Riders are good, but what's so great about them for Brother Xiao?" Scarface Zhao Wei slapped Ye Yujian on the head. "Isn't Brother Xiao more free and easy here? Why should he go to the Snow-Treading Dragon Riders and suffer the wrath of some young masters from the same manor?"
Ye Yujian rubbed his head and muttered softly, "It's really unfair. The eldest son of the Xiao Prince's Mansion probably doesn't even have as much talent as Brother Xiao, but just because of his good background, he can exclude Brother Xiao."
"You dare to talk back?" Zhao Wei raised his hand.
"Never mind, never mind." Xiao Mo waved his hand and said with a smile, adopting the demeanor of an elder brother. "What's wrong with saying this? We should just do our own thing and not worry about others. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Big Brother!" everyone responded in unison.
"Alright, let's go to sleep. We have to get up early for training tomorrow," Xiao Mo said.
"Okay, brother."
Everyone returned to their beds, the candles were blown out, and the bright moonlight streamed through the windows, illuminating everyone's faces.
The simple military life and daytime training made them fall asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow.
But Xiao Mo wasn't that quick.
Lying on the bed, Xiao Mo thought to himself that although he had some minor friction with them at the beginning, it was not a big problem. In fact, their temperament was quite good.
After seven years, when everyone parted ways and joined the army or became officials in the court, they could still use this as a network of connections.
Of course, the most important thing is
Everyone, including myself, will be able to live to that time.
The next morning, as soon as a horn sounded, everyone jumped out of bed like arrows released from a bow.
Immediately afterwards, Xiao Mo heard Master Chang calling out outside the military camp of the twelfth earthly branch: "Thirty, twenty-nine, twenty-eight, twenty-seven."
As Master Chang counted, everyone hurriedly dressed, brushed their teeth, washed their faces, and then ran out of the military camp.
"You little brats, it took you until the fifth to last number to all arrive. Even my grandma would be more agile and efficient than you!"
Master Chang mocked the crowd.
"Now, run a few laps around the training ground."
"Master Chang, how many laps is that?" Zheng Qi asked.
“Good question.” Master Chang nodded. “Let me think about it. The sun hasn’t risen yet, so why don’t you finish running around until 5 a.m.?”
Everyone: "."
"Didn't you hear me? Run! Are you looking for a kick?" Master Chang pretended to kick them.
Xiao Mo quickly ran forward, and the others naturally followed.
By the time they reached Chenshi (7-9 AM), everyone except Xiao Mo had already broken out in a sweat.
After resting for less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Xiao Mo and the others began basic martial arts training, such as weighted horse stance and weighted footwork exercises.
Because Xiao Mo's cultivation level is too high, he needs to be treated specially.
Therefore, the weights on Xiao Mo's body were made of some kind of Xuan Iron, which even had the effect of sealing Xiao Mo's cultivation level.
At noon, we finally had an hour to rest and eat.
Led by Zhao Wei and others, Xiao Mo successfully arrived at the Iron Tiger Army's canteen.
This canteen was enormous, filled entirely with the flesh and blood of ferocious beasts and spiritual herbs that replenished spiritual energy and blood essence.
Depending on your level of attainment, you can receive different tiers of rewards.
Moreover, everyone can eat as much as they want at their own level.
This includes the free and unlimited use of medicinal herbs for body tempering.
Of course, no one would be foolish enough to keep trying to temper their body, unless they didn't want to live anymore.
However, it must be said that in terms of the two most crucial aspects for warriors—nutritional supplements and physical conditioning—the Qin state was extremely generous, showing no stinginess or reservation whatsoever.
After lunch, Xiao Mo and the others quickly washed themselves with a bucket of water and then lay down on the bed for a nap.
As a result, he hadn't slept for very long when the bugle sounded and training resumed.
As a newcomer, all the training revolves around the basics. Although Xiao Mo's basic skills are already very solid, he still needs to continue practicing.
Xiao Mo didn't care about this, because he was currently undergoing various training exercises with Xuan Tie, which were already quite intense. In addition, the Iron Tiger Army's footwork and body movements did have some merits, and he might be able to learn from them.
After all, there is more than one school of martial arts in the world, and each school has its own merits.
Besides, everything I'm doing now is to try to "forget" the God-Slaying Spear Technique.
By the time the day's training ended, it was already past midnight.
Those who cannot read should learn to read.
Those who can read will attend military classes.
Until Hai hour (9-11 PM).
Xiao Mo and the others were completely drained of their last bit of energy. They quickly took a cold shower and lay down on the bed.
Then the next day, it was training day after day.
Meanwhile, in the Qin royal palace.
Qin Siyao angrily pushed open the door to the Imperial Study and walked towards her father like a sulking little hen.
"Father! You're lying!"
Qin Siyao pouted and called out to her father.
The King of Qin, who was still reviewing memorials, looked up at his daughter with a smile: "Who dares to deceive my daughter? Your father will surely arrest him and punish him severely!"
"Father! It's Father!" Qin Siyao ran to her father's side, her little fists pounding on his shoulders.
"Eh? Really?" The King of Qin feigned ignorance. "Then Father is so wronged. Father dotes on Siyao, how could he possibly lie to her?"
"Yes! There is! There is!" Qin Siyao puffed out her pink cheeks. "Father Emperor promised his daughter that he would get Xiao Mo into the Imperial Guard. I only found out today that Xiao Mo not only didn't go to the Imperial Guard, but also went to the Iron Tiger Army. Father Emperor lied to me!"
"Father is absolutely right about this, daughter."
The King of Qin delivered his prepared speech.
"Did Father Emperor tell Siyao that he should consider it and check the roster of the Imperial Guards? If there are any vacancies, Father Emperor will definitely arrange for Xiao Mo to join the Imperial Guards."
But there's nothing we can do; the Imperial Guard is already full.
Moreover, the sons of the Imperial Guards were almost all selected from the Iron Tiger Army.
Daughter, think about it. If your father lets Xiao Mo join the Imperial Guard through the back door, he will definitely be ostracized by others. Xiao Mo may have a very difficult time in the Imperial Guard.
Furthermore, Father Emperor can see that Xiao Mo has a strong sense of dignity. Do you think he would want to stay in the Imperial Guard if he knew he got in through your connections?
"this"
The young girl, barely out of her teens, was stunned by what her father, the emperor, said.
Although she felt something was off, her father seemed to have a point.
"I don't care!" Qin Siyao shook her head and continued domineeringly, "Father, it's fine if you don't assign him to the Imperial Guard, but I heard from Sister Peanut that in a place like the Iron Tiger Army, only a few out of ten people can come out alive!"
"No, no, Father thinks highly of Xiao Mo. Besides, for me to join the Iron Tiger Army, my parents and I need to sign and seal the agreement. Xiao Mo himself is confident, so you don't need to worry."
The King of Qin patted his daughter's head.
"I promise you, when Xiao Mo comes out of the Iron Tiger Army in seven years, I will not only let him join the Imperial Guard, but I will also give him a great reward. What do you say?"
"Hmph! I don't believe it. Sister Peanut is right. Father is the best at making empty promises. I'm never talking to Father again."
As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Siyao grabbed her skirt and stormed out.
"Why don't you teach my daughter good things with these peanuts, and instead you're teaching her bad things?"
After Qin Siyao left the imperial study, the King of Qin sighed and said helplessly.
"But my daughter, your father is not lying to you this time."
The King of Qin stroked his chin, a smile playing on his lips.
"Seven years from now, when Xiao Mo leaves the Iron Tiger Army, I will give him the greatest reward in the world!"
"You stinking father! You stinking father!"
"Big liar! Big liar!"
Qin Siyao returned to her palace and angrily pounded her pillow.
As she continued smashing, Qin Siyao sat up on the bed like a duck, biting the blanket hard, her eyes resolute as she said:
"If you won't let me go, I'll go by myself!"
(End of this chapter)
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