Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1002: Chapter 87: The Military Parade Begins (Part 2)

The military parade had yet to begin, but the people of Swamp Prefecture, merchants from other regions, and foreign guests had already arrived at the dock early. They wanted to secure the best positions to watch the parade.

Whether they were locals of Swamp Prefecture or distinguished foreign guests, none had ever seen a military parade before. This was their first time watching one, and naturally, they were filled with wonder.

The dock was crowded with people, yet everyone stood obediently in orderly rows.

Over fifteen hundred Personal Guards were there; one thousand participated in the parade, while the remaining five hundred were responsible for maintaining order in Swamp Prefecture.

At the fourth watch of the Hour of the Dragon, Zhao Yao invited members of foreign royal families to the viewing platform at the dock to observe the parade.

Before the parade, Zhao Yao, this illustrious Prince Han, first delivered a speech. He began by thanking everyone for coming to watch the parade, then introduced the different military units participating, and finally explained that the purpose of the parade was to showcase the valor of the soldiers.

Once he finished his speech, the sound of firecrackers erupted. Then, four soldiers dressed in black armor appeared in the people’s view, holding up the Dragon Flag representing Great Zhou.

The Dragon Flag had a black background, with the dragon embroidered in gold thread. Under the sunlight, the golden dragon shimmered with a golden glow. The dragon coiled around the word "Zhou," with its head raised towards the sky, as if roaring.

The four carrying the Dragon Flag were none other than Song Jicai and his companions. Usually carefree, at this moment, their expressions were solemn and determined. Under the sunlight, their black battle armor was exceptionally striking.

At the dockside, a tall flagpole stood, and Song Jicai and his companions skillfully and neatly raised the flag.

As the flag rose, an inspiring war anthem began to play.

Everyone present stood up, watching with awe the Dragon Flag rising steadily into the air.

At this moment, a swell of indescribable pride surged in the hearts of the people of Swamp Prefecture and the visiting merchants. The foreign guests were affected as well; although they didn’t feel pride, they were nevertheless stirred to excitement.

When the flag-raising ended, the next to appear were infantrymen, holding spears and shields. They too donned black armor that glinted coldly, their expressions stern, their gazes sharp. Their footsteps were synchronized, each step landing with a heavy, resonant thud. Though there were only two hundred of them, their steps seemed to make the earth tremble.

Leading the infantry, one soldier raised his spear and struck it forcefully against his shield, shouting loudly, "Kill!"

The infantry behind him also raised their spears, striking them against their shields, shouting at the top of their lungs, "Kill!"

Two hundred voices shouting "Kill" echoed throughout Swamp Prefecture.

The onlookers felt a palpable killing intent from the two hundred infantrymen. For a moment, they seemed to be on a battlefield, faced with ferocious infantry, causing their legs to tremble with fear.

The two hundred infantrymen shouted in unison, "Long live Great Zhou! Long live Prince Han!"

Zhao Yao stood on the viewing platform, waving at the approaching two hundred infantry. For a moment, he almost blurted out, "Comrades, great work!"

The foreign dignitaries on the viewing platform were startled by the presence exuded by the two hundred infantrymen. Although there were only two hundred, they felt as if they faced the might of twenty thousand, or even two hundred thousand. From them, it was as if the scent of blood was heavy in the air.

After the infantry passed, next came the two hundred archers.

The archers had an even greater presence than the infantry; they were like arrows ready to be shot, sharp and imposing.

"Kill!" The two hundred archers released their arrows in unison. At this moment, the spectators’ hearts tightened with fear, worried the arrows might land on them.

The two hundred archers shouted, "Long live Great Zhou, long live Prince Han!"

On the viewing platform, Zhao Yao accepted a bow and arrow from Tong Xi, aimed at a wild goose flying overhead. With a sudden cry, the goose, struck by an arrow, plummeted from the sky.

The people of Swamp Prefecture, witnessing this scene, shouted excitedly, "Long live Great Zhou, long live Prince Han!"

The foreign guests were astonished at Prince Han’s archery skill, momentarily shocked into silence.

After the two hundred archers came the chariot soldiers.

They rode their chariots with imposing authority. Leading the way, one chariot soldier held hammers in both hands, striking the war drum forcefully.

Each drumbeat seemed to pound on the hearts of everyone present.

"Kill!" The voices of the two hundred chariot soldiers, mixed with the sound of the chariots rolling over the ground, were incredibly intimidating!

"Long live Great Zhou! Long live Prince Han!"

The people of Swamp Prefecture and the visiting merchants joined in the shout, "Long live Great Zhou! Long live Prince Han!"

The chariots displayed were all types currently in use by Great Zhou. The people of Swamp Prefecture and the visiting merchants had never seen such from the battlefield up close. Although the chariots moved slowly, they nonetheless evoked an inexplicable fear.

The foreign dignitaries hadn’t experienced battlefield horrors, but at this moment, they felt the terror of war. The chariots that slowly approached were like massive beasts, seeming ready to trample over them.

After the chariot soldiers passed, next came the two hundred cavalrymen.

The two hundred cavalrymen rode on tall and mighty horses, swords hanging from their waists, their expressions cold, eyes piercing, exuding a deadly aura. They didn’t seem like they were attending a parade but were heading into battle. Although they did nothing, their appearance felt like they were there to kill.

The scene suddenly grew very quiet; a suffocating aura filled the air. This was a cavalry force that could make even the Xiongnu tremble. Everyone’s faces involuntarily showed signs of fear.

The two hundred cavalrymen shouted "Kill" in unison. This single cry of "Kill" sent chills across the gathering.

"Long live Great Zhou! Long live Prince Han!"

Zhao Yao applauded the cavalrymen, shouting excitedly, "Good! Very good!"

The fear on the faces of Swamp Prefecture’s people and visiting merchants was replaced with fervor; their faces flushed as they yelled hysterically, "Long live Great Zhou! Long live Prince Han!"

Cavalry is the trump card of any army. Historically, the cavalry of the Central Plains had not matched the northern grasslands’ Xiongnu cavalry. In the past, the iron hooves of the Xiongnu cavalry trampled over the Central Plains. Now, the Xiongnu covetously watch over Great Zhou, planning to stomp across every inch of its land. But now, Prince Han possesses cavalry no less formidable than the Xiongnu’s iron hooves.

The people of Swamp Prefecture and the visiting merchants, all citizens of Great Zhou, were filled with pride seeing such formidable cavalry. The foreign dignitaries, however, felt a chilling fear.