Chapter 323

Chapter 323: Seeking Benefits

As soon as Wei Yu entered the main tent, he saw Lord Du’s face beaming like a chrysanthemum in full bloom.

Hmm, how to put it…

All he could say was: Lord Grand Commandant, you must have worked hard at court today. That old face looked so weathered.

Frightening.

“My humble servant pays respects to Your Highness. Your Highness’s honorable presence—may I know what brings you here today? Is it to oversee the military exercises? If not, perhaps I could take you on a tour around the military camp…”

As soon as Du Xing saw Wei Yu, he immediately approached him.

Wei Yu had just finished saying “No need for formalities,” yet before he could even open his mouth properly, Du Xing bombarded him with questions, which startled him.

Wei Yu: “…Lord Du, you are unusually courteous.”

Lord Du chuckled heartily, his old face looking simple and honest, “Nonsense, nonsense. Your Highness sympathizes with the hardships of the soldiers, and rarely visits the military camp, so naturally, I must let Your Highness have a good look at the situation in the army.”

Wei Yu couldn’t help but fall silent for a moment.

The experienced old soldier who had gone through the ups and downs of court politics was truly different—his words were so genuine.

Looking at Du Xing, Wei Yu smiled and said, “You flatter me. Speaking of sympathizing with the soldiers, how could I possibly compare to Lord Du? I heard that Lord Du has been traveling back and forth between the three armies recently because of the military exercises?”

Saying that, Wei Yu glanced at those inside the tent and smiled warmly, “Everyone is gathered here today, probably discussing the military exercises? May I ask how far along the discussion is? Could you tell me?”

One never knows until one asks. Upon hearing this, a bold general actually stood up directly, with an angry and unjust expression.

“Replying to Your Highness, we are indeed discussing the candidates for the Tiger Vanguard Army’s military exercises, but I am dissatisfied with their selections!”

Aha?

Wei Yu was a bit stunned.

No way? They wouldn’t want to throw these internal issues to him, would they?

He was just asking casually!

Fortunately, none of the generals present were pushovers. Hearing the complaint, someone immediately stood up to refute.

“You’re the one who’s dissatisfied! The candidates are chosen based on military strength. Whose fault is it if your men aren’t strong?”

“Exactly! Stop complaining before Your Highness! Believe it or not, I’m calling someone in now for a face-off!”

“Bah! You’re just counting on your men’s hand-to-hand skills. Beyond that, what else do you have? If you have the ability, let’s compete in mounted archery!”

“So what if it’s hand-to-hand? Without guns, swords, or arrows, the winning factor is hand-to-hand combat…”

The tent quickly became noisy again.

Looking at the burly men standing and pointing fingers at one another, Wei Yu felt like they were about to fight at any moment.

He clicked his tongue and shook his head, “This is exactly the world of military generals…”

Truly lively.

Wei Yu didn’t understand, but all he felt was the urge to applaud and encourage them to start fighting soon!

He was here to see a true showdown between real men, but Du Xing, seeing the intense gaze from him, mistakenly thought that their pure and righteous Ninth Highness was frightened!

Du Xing sighed inwardly.

As the youngest prince, His Highness the Wise King was still young, even younger than his second brother by a few months.

His Highness usually stayed behind closed doors, surely busy studying various miraculous techniques!

Otherwise, where would all those great things from the Ministry of Works and the Fourth Prince’s shops come from?

They were definitely the result of His Highness’s tireless, day-and-night hard work, deep thinking, sleepless nights, rising early and working late, neglecting meals, and relentless diligence!

So it was normal that His Highness didn’t understand human affairs; surely he was frightened by the rowdy soldiers in front of him.

With a tender glance toward the Wise King, Du Xing’s usually boisterous voice softened considerably, “Please excuse the behavior of the military men, Your Highness. They are used to rough habits and trivial squabbles; it’s nothing serious. Perhaps, Your Highness, would you like me to accompany you outside for a walk?”

“Ah?”

Just as things were getting interesting, hearing about going out, Wei Yu turned his head in surprise, unsure whether to say he actually wanted to stay and watch some more.

Seeing the young youth’s puzzled lamb-like eyes, Du Xing was even more assured that His Highness was scared!

No worries!

They would go out!

Leaving this noisy place full of disputes, he would take His Highness to see the poor Tiger Vanguard Army in a good light!

A kind-hearted soul like His Highness the Wise King would surely fulfill his small wish for strengthening the army, right?!

Without uttering a word, Wei Yu was taken outside by Du Xing.

Along the way, Wei Yu only heard Du Xing telling him how difficult life was for the Tiger Vanguard Army.

There was a damaged tent; Du Xing pointed at the fist-sized hole shaking his head.

“The camp is harsh; the soldiers are rough and worn to rags, and not only the clothes but even the tents are torn without funds to repair them. One wonders if the soldiers freeze at night resting…”

Wei Yu was silent.

A patrolling soldier passed by bearing a spear; Du Xing sighed looking at the spear’s red tassel.

“The soldiers are thrifty. Look at how dirty the tassels on these red-tasseled spears have gotten; there are no replacements. Alas, Lord Pei of the Ministry of Works is busy, and the military supplies priority goes to the border. Poor them, still have to use all those old broken things.”

Wei Yu’s eye twitched.

Some soldiers were changing guard below in the watchtower; Du Xing lowered his head and lifted his sleeve to wipe his tears.

“Being a scout is not easy. Every scout risks their life probing enemy positions. Countless loyal soldiers have perished because of this in past wars. It pains me to even think of it…”

“All right, Lord Du!”

Wei Yu finally couldn’t keep quiet. He rubbed his forehead, feeling both amused and angry.

Saying it all so pitifully, going around in circles, wasn’t he just trying to squeeze some benefits from him for the soldiers?

But shouldn’t he be asking his dad for this instead?!

Wei Yu glanced sideways at him, half-smiling, “I say, Lord Du, if the three armies are in such a ‘poor’ state, why not bring it up before the Emperor?”

The Lord Grand Commandant’s face remained unchanged: “Isn’t it because Your Highness has come today?”

Knowing what the Wise King came for, and that few princes usually visited the military camps, Du Xing was no fool. He knew that looking for benefits upward, one must find a “soft target” to squeeze.

Based on the Wise King’s previous sympathy and kindness toward the people, even if he didn’t manage to get anything this time, His Highness wouldn’t blame him.

Wei Yu looked at him deeply, “…You really are a worthy Grand Commandant.”

Du Xing chuckled simply and rubbed his hands expectantly, “Then, Your Highness, about the funds, grain, and military supplies for the three armies?”

Wei Yu: “I understand. I will report to His Majesty.”

Du Xing’s eyes brightened and he immediately added, “And that telescope powder cannon cart! We really need that as well!”

Wei Yu: …

That was probably his primary objective, wasn’t it?!

Even if Du Xing didn’t mention the powder cannon cart, it would be demonstrated at the military exercises, especially since they planned to establish a new army.

Wei Yu asked about Du Xing’s new army formation plan.

Du Xing said, “Your Highness, rest assured. The new army of five thousand men, I have already instructed my subordinates to select only the strongest.”

Wei Yu nodded in satisfaction, “Hmm, you’re doing well with this task.”

Though his father had sent him, Wei Yu didn’t want to micromanage. As Grand Commandant, Du Xing would be more professional at selecting troops.

So he might as well go and pick his own two hundred private soldiers.