Chapter 133: Chapter 107: Take My Punch_2
’With such strong military power at hand, does it count as extending one’s reach into military authority? It seems the Great Li Dynasty’s efforts to weaken the feudal lords were for naught...
Is it only King Jinghai who is like this, or are all the princes of the royal family across the land the same?’
Chen Ping suddenly realized that judging King Jinghai’s power from Hua Lian’er’s peril is actually not accurate.
The saying "Whether Xingqing Prefecture is chaotic or not, it’s King Jinghai who decides" is not nonsense.
It’s true.
Then, the question arises.
Since King Jinghai possesses such formidable forces, why does he allow the situation in Xingqing Prefecture to deteriorate, letting anyone challenge him even to the extent of not being able to protect his own daughter?
Isn’t this a joke?
One can only say, there must be some deeper meaning.
Upon thinking this, Chen Ping’s expression became slightly cautious.
’Could this prince be an old schemer...’
Countless historical examples told him that when things are out of the ordinary, there’s always something amiss; things that are unclear usually have unknown secrets.
There is one thing that can testify...
He found that, along the way, regardless of whether people respected King Jinghai’s power, whether they were foes or allies, they never failed to admire his character and martial arts.
That’s rather amusing.
A person whom everyone praises.
If not a sage, he must be a villain.
Which one is King Jinghai?
Chen Ping looked at Hua Lian’er’s expression full of timid anticipation and shook his head.
This girl, amidst her grievances, harbors some expectations.
Grievance is easy to understand; what is she expecting?
...
Ahead, tents stood in orderly rows within the campgrounds, with troops patrolling everywhere, heavily guarded.
Just a short distance away from being surrounded by the military camp, one could see a vast estate with red walls and green tiles, shaded by trees.
From inside, sounds of shouting and bellowing occasionally emerged.
Perhaps they were training soldiers.
Or engaging in martial contests.
Seeing the endless plain spread over several miles, Chen Ping felt he might have underestimated King Jinghai’s influence.
This was not King Jinghai’s stronghold; rather, it was Ling Mountain Prefecture, near Feiyun Crossing.
Stationing such forces in Ling Mountain Prefecture for over a month, and no one had anything to say about it. One could basically understand that this prince controlled most of the forces in Xingqing Prefecture and had even enveloped Ling Mountain Prefecture under his wing.
"Why hasn’t Father come yet?"
Entering the temporary prince’s estate, guards were seen every three steps, and posts every five steps...
Hua Lian’er lost her lively demeanor on the road, appearing somewhat despondent.
She discovered the people welcoming her were not only a female general in red armor but also a kind-faced elder.
The elder was Steward Zhang Tongshan of the Prince’s Mansion. Upon seeing Hua Lian’er, he was full of joy: "Commandery Princess, you’ve finally returned. The prince is anxious, but due to an injury, he cannot travel. Otherwise, he wouldn’t let those small villains run rampant."
He bowed and then turned to Chen Ping: "This must be Young Hero Tian Qi, please come inside; the prince has prepared a grand thank-you gesture."
As he spoke, he ushered Hua Lian’er with the maids into the backyard.
He led the way ahead, guiding Chen Ping to the front hall to serve tea.
Hua Lian’er blinked and gave Chen Ping a look, hastily following the maids.
Chen Ping knew she was telling him to be patient and wait.
But how could he wait?
After braving hardships, traveling thousands of miles, and fighting battles all the way to escort your daughter, yet the prince could not even personally appear.
The steward welcoming guests was already indicative of their attitude.
However, he thought of his journey with Hua Lian’er in their mutual sustenance as beggars, then later entrusting their lives to each other, he calmed down.
This journey was not undertaken for King Jinghai’s name; thus, he needn’t care too much about the other’s attitude.
If one merely wishes to see the Hu People’s conspiracy fail, preventing harm to the Hann People’s land, and sparing Hann civilians from destruction, he indeed possesses such concern. It’s merely a belief and habit from his past life.
Questioning himself for any desire for gain, he certainly has none.
Given Hua Lian’er’s connection, it wouldn’t be appropriate to leave abruptly.
So sitting for a while, just as a courtesy.
Now he simply smiled and followed the steward to the side hall for tea.
After tea was served three times, a servant delivered a tray of gold, a bottle of precious medicine, and a volume of military strategy. Steward Zhang, full of smiles, said: "The prince heard of Young Hero Tian’s exceptional martial arts and is delighted, offering one thousand taels of gold...
This military book is the prince’s strategic insights, revealing high expectations for Young Hero Tian. Are you interested in joining the Jinghai Guard?"
"Indeed, Brother Tian’s martial arts are remarkable; I have a vacancy for a captain under my command. Perhaps..." The colorful uniformed woman accompanying them said with a smile.
Chen Ping knew she was the Jinghai Colorful General Feng Jiu, about thirty, with gentle eyes and a charming figure.
Even armored, her charisma was still evident.
For some reason, her gaze towards him carried a subtle significance.
Her words were solicitations.
"No, the captain’s role leads a thousand troops, a position of significance. Brother Tian, born of the common folk, might not be skilled in military affairs... better to be a personal guard with me, eventually gaining more experience for promotion to other roles."
So, they have arranged this for me.
Born of the common folk...
After pondering for a moment, Chen Ping understood what the prince, general, and the old steward were really thinking.
From their perspective.
To be given a role was already a blessing.
If a typical Jianghu martial artist received such treatment, they would likely be ecstatic, immediately bowing in gratitude.
